Andrew Heaney (5-1, 2.53 ERA) gets the start for the Los Angeles Angels (60-57) as they meet Carlos Rodon (5-4, 4.61 ERA) and the Chicago White Sox (55-60) in the first of a four-game series at Angel Stadium. The game starts at 10:05 p.m. ET on Monday, Aug. 17 and will air on WGN and FSW.
In his most recent outing, Heaney pitched 5.2 innings, giving up two runs, striking out four and walking one in a 3-2 loss to the White Sox. Albert Pujols (.253, 64 Rs, 31 HRs, 67 RBIs, 4 SBs) went 1 for 4 yesterday. The White Sox were victorious the last time Rodon pitched. He had a good outing, pitching 7.0 innings, allowing zero runs, striking out 11 and walking one in a 3-0 victory over the Angels. Jose Abreu (.295, 70 Rs, 22 HRs, 69 RBIs) has been hitting the ball well for the White Sox, going 2 for 3 yesterday with one run, one home run, and one RBI.
Los Angeles, a -158 favorite, will look to capitalize at home against Chicago. The Over/Under (O/U) for the matchup is set at eight runs. The Angels perform well as a favorite with a 43-27 record, but haven’t fared as well with the overall money line (-214). The Angels rank fifth in the majors in extra base hits with 311. As for the pitching staff, the Angels rank fifth in the AL in ERA with a 3.71 team average. The Angels are third in the AL in walks allowed with just 2.6 per game.
Moving on to the away team, the White Sox come into this game with a win percentage of .429 when playing as the underdog (27-36) and an overall money line of -617. The White Sox are known for their bats, hitting 304 extra base hits. Shifting to the pitching staff, they allow just 2.4 walks per road game, good for tops in the AL.
So far this season, the White Sox are 3-0 against the Angels. This game will feature Rodon (LHP) on the mound against the Angels, who have a 16-13 record when they take on a left-handed starter. Taking the hill against the White Sox will be the left-hander Heaney. They sport a 10-13 record against southpaws.
Predictions: SU Winner – LAA, O/U – Over
Notes
The Angels are coming off of a weak pitching game where they recorded six strikeouts. The White Sox have a record of 23-15 when opponents’ pitchers have that many strikeouts or fewer.
When they are outhit, the White Sox are 10-45. The Angels have a 12-40 record when opponents outhit them.
Ranking 22nd in home runs, Chicago has hit 99 this season. Los Angeles ranks eighth with 126 home runs.
Ranking 11th, Los Angeles is in the top half of the league in hits, notching 8.28 per game. Chicago ranks in the top 10 at ninth with 8.53.
Los Angeles and Chicago both rank near the bottom of the league for their on-base plus slugging percentage. Los Angeles sits at 21st with an OPS of .700 and Chicago ranks 25th with an OPS of .687.
The White Sox are 26-43 in games where they allow one or more home runs. The Angels are 31-46 when they allow at least one homer.
