Chris Sale (12-11, 3.48 ERA) and the Chicago White Sox (74-85) go up against Alfredo Simon (13-11, 5.18 ERA) and the Detroit Tigers (73-85) in the first of a three-game division series at U.S. Cellular Field. The game starts at 8:10 p.m. ET on Friday, Oct. 2 and will air on CSN+ and FSDT.
In his last start, Sale pitched 7.0 innings, allowing three runs, striking out eight and walking one in a 3-2 loss to the Yankees. Jose Abreu (.292, 88 Rs, 30 HRs, 101 RBIs) continued his strong season yesterday, going 2 for 4 with two RBIs. The Tigers were also unsuccessful the last time Simon pitched. He struggled, going 8.0 innings, giving up four runs, striking out four and walking one in a 6-2 loss to the Twins. J.D. Martinez (.284, 92 Rs, 38 HRs, 101 RBIs, 3 SBs) has been hitting the ball well for the Tigers, going 3 for 4 Wednesday with one run.
Chicago is a considerable -194 favorite in this game and the Over/Under (O/U) is set at seven runs. When playing as the favorite, the White Sox have a 34-35 record and overall money line at -1,270. They have disappointing records of 13-21 as the favorite and 30-42 SU within their division. Chicago has averaged 2.6 runs per game over the last 10 games, lower than its season average of 3.9. Over their past 10 games, Chicago’s pitchers have been playing lights out, only allowing 3.1 runs per game, below their season average of 4.3. An area where the White Sox are particularly strong is striking batters out, where they average 8.4 K’s per game.
Across the field, the Tigers have a subpar record of 36-55 when they are the underdog and are -940 overall with the money line. They have played poorly as the underdog as of late. They managed a 1-5 record when playing as the underdog and a SU record of 4-6. Detroit is the top hitting team in the league, converting .271 of their at-bats for hits.
The Tigers have mostly come out on top against the White Sox in their previous 16 games this season, earning a 9-7 record. The White Sox will take on a right-hander (Simon) in this game and have a 55-67 record against right-handed starting pitchers this season. The left-handed Sale will take the mound against the Tigers, who have a 20-16 record against lefty starters this season.
Predictions: SU Winner – CWS, O/U – Under
Notes
Chicago has won 49% (33-35) of its games when leading after 7 innings. However, Detroit has won 49% (36-38) of its games when taking a late lead.
The Tigers are coming off of a weak pitching game where they recorded three strikeouts. The White Sox have a record of 9-3 when opponents’ pitchers have that many strikeouts or fewer.
When they outhit their opponents, the Tigers are 61-21. The White Sox have a 58-15 record when outhitting opponents.
Ranking 27th in runs, Chicago has earned 616 this season. Detroit ranks 16th with 679 runs.
Ranking 26th, Chicago is near the bottom of the league in walks, notching 397 this season. Detroit ranks in the bottom half at 19th with 443.
The White Sox are 47-44 when they hit at least one home run. The Tigers perform similarly when they hit one or more homers with a 53-36 record.
