Mat Latos (4-0, 1.84 ERA) starts for the Chicago White Sox (19-10) as they square off against Ricky Nolasco (1-0, 4.05 ERA) and the Minnesota Twins (8-20) in the first of a three-game series at U.S. Cellular Field. Action begins at 8:10 p.m. ET on Friday, May. 6 and can be seen on CSCh and FSN.
Latos pitched 5.0 innings in his most recent start, surrendering four runs, striking out two and walking one in an 8-7 win over the Orioles. Avisail Garcia (.230, 11 Rs, 4 HRs, 10 RBIs) continued his strong play yesterday, going 2 for 4 with one run, one home run, and one RBI. Nolasco went 5.2 innings, surrendering five runs and striking out four in a 6-5 defeat to the Tigers in his last outing. Eduardo Nunez (.379, 11 Rs, 1 HR, 10 RBIs, 5 SBs) has been successful at the plate, going 2 for 4 Wednesday with one run.
The odds for Chicago and Minnesota are even, while the Over/Under (O/U) is unavailable as of now. Within its division, Chicago has a record of 2-10 SU. The White Sox have seen an uptick in scoring as of late, averaging 0.0 runs during the last 10 games compared to their season average of 0.0 runs per game. Chicago is one of the best in the AL in terms of walks at home, earning an average of 4.2 per game. Opposing batters know they’re in for a battle when they play Chicago. The White Sox are one of the top teams when it comes to pitching, allowing just 0.0 runs per game. The White Sox are the third-best team in the AL at limiting hits to their opponents, allowing only 7.4 hits per game so far this season.
The Twins are 4-1 against fellow AL Central members. Offensively, the Twins have really picked up the pace in the last 10 games. They have exceeded their season average of 0.0 runs per game by averaging 0.0 during that stretch. The Twins allow 0.0 runs per game, but have improved upon those numbers in the past 10 games, allowing 0.0 runs per game during that span.
The White Sox have the edge in the season series, 3-0.
Predictions: SU Winner – CWS
Notes
Minnesota has won 22% (2-7) of its games when leading after seven innings. However, Chicago has won 62% (8-5) of its games when taking a late lead.
The Twins managed to give up seven walks in their last game. They’ll have to pick it up against the White Sox who are heading in with a 2-1 record against opponents who give up that many walks or more.
When they outhit their opponents, the Twins are 6-4. The White Sox have a 15-0 record when outhitting opponents.
Both falling near the bottom of the league based on total runs this season, Chicago ranks 21st with 111 runs and Minnesota is 25th with 99.
Ranking 13th, Minnesota is in the top half of the league in walks, notching 91 this season. Chicago ranks in the top 10 at ninth with 99.
When the White Sox hit at least one home run, they are 12-7. When the Twins hit at least one homer, they have a 6-12 record.
