In the second of a three-game series between the Chicago White Sox (24-15) and the Houston Astros (16-24) at U.S. Cellular Field, Mat Latos (5-0, 3.40 ERA) and Doug Fister (3-3, 4.22 ERA) get the ball. The Astros won the last game 6-5, and Houston leads the series 1-0. The game starts at 8:10 p.m. ET on Wednesday, May. 18 and will air on CSCh and RTSW.
In his last start, Latos pitched 5.1 innings, allowing five runs and walking five in a 6-5 loss to the Rangers. Todd Frazier (.228, 23 Rs, 12 HRs, 32 RBIs, 2 SBs) continued his strong season yesterday, going 2 for 4. The Astros were victorious the last time Fister pitched. He pitched well, going 7.0 innings, giving up two runs and striking out three in a 5-3 victory over the Indians. Jose Altuve (.338, 37 Rs, 9 HRs, 24 RBIs, 15 SBs) went 1 for 4 yesterday with one RBI.
Oddsmakers have deemed this game an even matchup and the Over/Under (O/U) is unavailable at the moment. Chicago has averaged 0.0 runs per game over the last 10 games, higher than its season average of 0.0. The White Sox typically don’t swing at bad pitches, which has led to an impressive 4.4 walks per home game. As for the Chicago defense and pitching staff, teams routinely struggle to score runs against the White Sox, who allow only 0.0 runs per game. The White Sox don’t give up many hits to opposing batters, ranking fifth in the AL with only 7.7 hits allowed per game.
During the last 10 games, they averaged 0.0 runs per game, above their 0.0 season average. Houston is one of the top hitting teams in the league with 139 extra base hits. The Astros have racked up 37 steals on the year, making them the most threatening base-running team in the league. The last 10 games have really brought the best out of the Houston pitchers. They’ve allowed 0.0 runs per game during that span, which is lower than their season average of 0.0.
The only other game between the two teams went Houston’s way.
Predictions: SU Winner – HOU
Notes
Chicago recorded at least two errors for the fourth time this season.
The White Sox managed to give up four walks in their last game. They’ll have to pick it up against the Astros who are coming in with an 11-13 record against opponents who give up that many walks or more.
When they are outhit, the Astros are 4-20. The White Sox have a 3-11 record when opponents outhit them.
Chicago ranks near the bottom of the league when it comes to home runs, hitting 37 this season. Houston ranks in the top 10 at sixth with 51.
Ranking 24th, Houston is near the bottom of the league in hits, notching 7.85 per game. Chicago ranks in the top half at 13th with 8.58.
Ranking 17th, Chicago is in the bottom half of the league for its on-base plus slugging percentage (.730). Houston ranks in the top half with an OPS of .734.
The Astros are 11-18 in games where they allow one or more home runs. The White Sox are 10-10 when they allow at least one homer.
