Ervin Santana (6-10, 3.54 ERA) and Jose Quintana (11-9, 2.77 ERA) start in the first of a four-game series between the Minnesota Twins (49-84) and the Chicago White Sox (63-69) at Target Field. The Twins come into this series in the midst of a 13-game losing streak. Action begins at 8:10 p.m. ET on Thursday, Sep. 1 and can be seen on CSCh and FSN.
Santana pitched 6.2 innings in his most recent start, surrendering six runs, striking out four and walking five in an 8-7 defeat to the Blue Jays. Brian Dozier (.269, 85 Rs, 32 HRs, 81 RBIs, 11 SBs) went 1 for 4 yesterday with one run, one home run, and two RBIs. Quintana went 7.2 innings, surrendering two, striking out eight and walking one in a 9-3 win over the Mariners in his last outing. Jose Abreu (.288, 52 Rs, 19 HRs, 74 RBIs) has been successful at the plate, going 2 for 4 yesterday with one run, one home run, and one RBI.
Chicago takes on Minnesota as a -127 favorite. The Over/Under (O/U) for the matchup is sitting at eight runs. The Twins have recorded an overall money line of -2,484 and have shown a weak performance as an underdog this season with a record of 37-66. Minnesota has had a tough time SU and as the underdog, going winless over the last 10 games. The Twins have seen a decline in scoring against teams inside their division, averaging 3.9 runs per game. They average 4.5 runs per game on the season. Minnesota is one of the best in the AL in terms of walks, earning an average of 3.1 per game. Minnesota’s pitching staff has been doing poorly against opposing offenses during the last 10 games, allowing an average of 7.3 runs per game, well above its season average of 5.5. The Twins are the fourth-best team in the AL at limiting walks to their opponents, allowing only 2.8 walks per game so far this season.
In games where it is the favorite, Chicago has a 35-26 record and an overall money line of -556. Despite an underwhelming SU record against AL Central rivals (20-32), the White Sox pulled off an impressive 15-12 in games where they were the favorite.
The White Sox have controlled the season series, 9-3. The Twins have a 15-19 record against left-handed starting pitchers on the year, which is what they’ll be facing when Quintana takes the mound. Santana (RHP) will be on the hill against the White Sox, who have a 48-56 record against right-handed starting pitchers.
Predictions: SU Winner – MIN, O/U – Over
Notes
The White Sox lost their last game by a one-run margin. In games decided by one run, the Twins are 11-24. The White Sox are 21-26 in close games this season.
The Twins managed to give up five walks in their last game. They’ll have to pick it up against the White Sox who are coming in with a 19-4 record against opponents who give up that many walks or more.
When they are outhit, the Twins are 8-68. The White Sox have a 10-51 record when opponents outhit them.
Chicago ranks near the bottom of the league at 23rd when it comes to home runs, hitting 134 this season. Minnesota ranks in the bottom half with 155.
Minnesota and Chicago both rank in the top 10 of the league in hits. Minnesota sits at eighth with 8.88 hits per game and Chicago ranks 10th with 8.63.
Ranking 25th, Chicago is near the bottom of the league for its on-base plus slugging percentage (.719). Minnesota ranks in the top half at 13th with an OPS of .744.
When the White Sox allow at least one home run, they are 38-47. When the Twins allow one or more homers, they have a 35-69 record.
