Chris Sale (9-1, 2.29 ERA) gets the start for the Chicago White Sox (29-26) as they meet Mike Pelfrey (0-5, 4.96 ERA) and the Detroit Tigers (26-28) in the second of a three-game series at Comerica Park. The Tigers won the last game 10-3, and Detroit leads the series 1-0. The game starts at 4:10 p.m. ET on Saturday, Jun. 4 and will air on CSCh and FSDT.
In his most recent outing, Pelfrey pitched 5.2 innings, giving up three runs (three unearned), striking out three and walking two in a 4-2 loss to the Athletics. Ian Kinsler (.321, 46 Rs, 11 HRs, 32 RBIs, 7 SBs) played well again yesterday, going 2 for 4 with two runs and two RBIs. The White Sox were unsuccessful against the Royals 5-4 the last time Sale pitched. He went 7.0 innings, allowing two runs, striking out seven and walking two. Brett Lawrie (.256, 22 Rs, 6 HRs, 21 RBIs, 4 SBs) went 1 for 3 yesterday.
Oddsmakers have deemed this game an even matchup and the Over/Under (O/U) is unavailable at the moment. Against teams in the AL Central, the Tigers have a SU record of 9-9. Detroit has averaged 0.0 runs per game over the last 10 games, higher than its season average of 0.0. Detroit’s pitching staff has put it all together in the past 10 games. Its average runs allowed per game dropped to 0.0 during that span, compared to its 0.0 season average. They have been extremely effective at striking opposing batters out, averaging 7.3 strikeouts per game.
Against divisional opponents, the White Sox are 7-8 SU. During the last 10 games, they averaged 0.0 runs per game, above their 0.0 season average. The White Sox are one of the top pitching staffs in the AL, essentially shutting down opponents to the tune of 0.0 runs allowed per game.
So far this season, the Tigers are 1-0 against the White Sox.
Predictions: SU Winner – DET
Notes
When leading after seven innings, Chicago is 14-14, while Detroit is 11-15.
The White Sox managed to give up seven walks in their last game. They’ll have to pick it up against the Tigers who are heading in with a 3-1 record against opponents who give up that many walks or more.
When they outhit their opponents, the Tigers are 21-7. The White Sox have a 22-3 record when outhitting opponents.
Ranking 21st in runs, Chicago has earned 223 this season. Detroit ranks 12th with 247 runs.
Ranking 24th, Detroit is near the bottom of the league in walks, notching 153 this season. Chicago ranks in the top half at 14th with 177.
When the Tigers hit at least one home run, they are 23-14. When the White Sox hit at least one homer, they have a 20-15 record.
