Chris Sale (9-7, 3.52 ERA) and the Chicago White Sox (51-58) go up against Matt Shoemaker (5-7, 4.01 ERA) and the Los Angeles Angels (59-51) in the first of a three-game series at U.S. Cellular Field. The game gets underway at 7:10 p.m. ET on Monday, Aug. 10 and will air on CSCh and FSW.
In his last start, Sale pitched 5.1 innings, allowing seven runs, striking out nine and walking three in an 11-3 loss to the Rays. Adam Eaton (.268, 67 Rs, 9 HRs, 27 RBIs, 11 SBs) went 1 for 3 yesterday with one run. The Angels were unsuccessful to the Indians 2-0 the last time Shoemaker pitched. He went 6.0 innings, giving up zero runs, striking out 10 and walking two.
Chicago, a -147 favorite, will look to capitalize at home against Los Angeles. The Over/Under (O/U) for the matchup is set at seven runs. When playing as the favorite, the White Sox have a 26-23 record and overall money line at -835. Over the last 10 games, they have performed poorly when playing as the favorite (1-4). The White Sox are a dangerous hitting team with 283 extra base hits, one of the highest totals in the MLB. Below average play has been the norm lately for the Chicago pitchers. The White Sox have given up an average of 7.1 runs to opponents in their last 10 games, above their season average of 4.4 runs per game.
Switching gears, the Angels come into this game in an interesting position. They have won more than 60 percent of games played as the underdog (17-26) but have a negative money line (+125). Over the past 10 matchups, they are 3-7 SU and have a poor 0-5 record when they were an underdog to win. The Angels will be looking to pick it up in this one after recent offensive struggles. In their 10 most recent games, Los Angeles’s run production has dropped to 2.7 runs per game, compared to 3.7 for the duration of the season. The Angels are a problem for opposing batters, sporting a 3.62 ERA this season. They also allow just 2.6 walks per game, good for third in the AL.
The White Sox will take on a right-hander (Shoemaker) in this game and have a 43-45 record against right-handed starting pitchers this season. The left-handed Sale will take the mound against the Angels. Against lefty starters this season, they’ve racked up an impressive 16-9 record.
Predictions: SU Winner – LAA, O/U – Over
Notes
Chicago has won 50% (22-22) of its games when leading after 7 innings. However, Los Angeles has won 64% (28-16) of its games when taking a late lead.
The Angels are coming into this game after allowing one walk during their last outing. The White Sox have a 10-23 record when opponents give up that many walks or fewer.
When they outhit their opponents, the White Sox are 41-10. The Angels have a 44-10 record when outhitting opponents.
Ranking 29th, Chicago is near the bottom of the league in runs, scoring 408 this season. Los Angeles ranks in the top half at 15th with 460.
Ranking 28th, Chicago is near the bottom of the league in walks, notching 253 this season. Los Angeles ranks in the bottom half at 16th with 306.
When the White Sox hit at least one home run, they are 31-31. When the Angels hit at least one homer, they have a 47-26 record.
