In the second of a three-game series between the Chicago White Sox (20-10) and the Minnesota Twins (8-21) at U.S. Cellular Field, Chris Sale (6-0, 1.66 ERA) and Ervin Santana (0-1, 3.15 ERA) get the start. The White Sox won the last game 10-4, and Chicago leads the series 1-0. The game starts at 7:10 p.m. ET on Saturday, May. 7 and will air on WGN and FSN.
In his last start, Sale pitched 5.1 innings, giving up one run, striking out six and walking four in a 7-1 victory over the Orioles. Brett Lawrie (.288, 16 Rs, 4 HRs, 11 RBIs, 2 SBs) played well again yesterday, going 2 for 5 with one run and one RBI. The Twins were unsuccessful against the Brewers 6-5 the last time Santana pitched. He went 5.0 innings, allowing five runs (three unearned), striking out two and walking three. Byung Ho Park (.268, 13 Rs, 7 HRs, 12 RBIs, 1 SB) has been hitting the ball well for the Twins, going 2 for 3 yesterday with two runs and one stolen base.
Oddsmakers have deemed this game an even matchup and the Over/Under (O/U) is currently unavailable. The White Sox have a SU record of 2-11 against teams in their division. The most recent 10-game stretch for the White Sox has gone great. Over that span, Chicago is averaging 0.0 runs per game, well over their season average of 0.0. They have been very patient at the plate during home games, ranking third in the AL with an average of 4.5 walks per game. Turning to the pitching and defensive side, 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 fourth in the AL with only 7.5 hits allowed per game.
Against teams in their division, the Twins are 5-1 SU. During the last 10 games, they averaged 0.0 runs per game, above their 0.0 season average. Minnesota’s pitching staff has allowed an average of 0.0 runs per game during the last 10 games, lower than their season average of 0.0.
So far this season, the White Sox are 4-0 against the Twins.
Predictions: SU Winner – CWS
Notes
Minnesota has won 20% (2-8) of its games when leading after seven innings. However, Chicago has won 64% (9-5) of its games when taking a late lead.
After a weak showing last week where they got in seven hits, the Twins need to step it up. The White Sox have a record of 15-2 when opponents get seven hits or less.
When they outhit their opponents, the Twins are 6-4. The White Sox have a 16-0 record when outhitting opponents.
Ranking 25th, Minnesota sits near the bottom of the league in runs, scoring 103 this season. Chicago ranks in the bottom half at 17th with 121.
Ranking 11th, Minnesota is in the top half of the league in walks, notching 94 this season. Chicago ranks in the top 10 at ninth with 102.
The White Sox are 13-7 in games where they hit one or more home runs. The Twins are 6-13 when they hit at least one homer.
