Jose Quintana (4-1, 1.40 ERA) and the Chicago White Sox (21-10) go up against Tyler Duffey (0-1, 1.74 ERA) and the Minnesota Twins (8-22) in the last of a three-game division series at U.S. Cellular Field. The White Sox won the last game 7-2, and Chicago leads the series 2-0. The game starts at 2:10 p.m. ET on Sunday, May. 8 and will air on CSCh and FSN.
In his most recent outing, Quintana pitched 8.0 innings, allowing one run and striking out five in a 4-1 victory over the Red Sox. Avisail Garcia (.241, 14 Rs, 4 HRs, 11 RBIs) went 1 for 3 yesterday with one run and one RBI. The Twins were unsuccessful against the Tigers 4-1 the last time Duffey pitched. He went 6.1 innings, allowing four and striking out seven. Eduardo Nunez (.365, 12 Rs, 1 HR, 10 RBIs, 5 SBs) went 1 for 4 yesterday.
Oddsmakers have deemed this game an even matchup and the Over/Under (O/U) is unavailable at the moment. Against teams in the AL Central, the White Sox have a SU record of 2-12. Chicago has averaged 0.0 runs per game over the last 10 games, higher than its season average of 0.0. They have been very patient at the plate during home games, ranking second in the AL with an average of 4.6 walks per game. Turning to the pitching and defensive side, the Chicago pitching staff and defense has been very good, only giving up 0.0 runs per game. The White Sox are fifth in the league in WHIP at 1.149.
Against divisional rivals, the Twins are 6-1 SU. Minnesota has been playing better lately, averaging 0.0 runs per game, more than their season average of 0.0. The Twins average just 8.9 strikeouts per game, one of the lowest marks in the AL. 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.
In their previous five games this season, the White Sox have a 5-0 record.
Predictions: SU Winner – CWS
Notes
When leading after seven innings, Chicago is 10-5, while Minnesota is 2-9.
The Twins managed to give up six walks in their last game. They’ll have to pick it up against the White Sox who are heading in with a 5-1 record against opponents who give up that many walks or more.
When they are outhit, the Twins are 2-18. The White Sox have a 2-10 record when opponents outhit them.
Minnesota ranks near the bottom of the league at 22nd when it comes to home runs, hitting 26 this season. Chicago ranks in the bottom half with 29.
Chicago and Minnesota both rank in the bottom half of the league in hits. Chicago sits at 17th with 8.23 hits per game and Minnesota ranks 18th with 8.13.
Ranking 24th, Minnesota is near the bottom of the league for its on-base plus slugging percentage (.686). Chicago ranks in the bottom half at 18th with an OPS of .717.
When the Twins allow at least one home run, they are 5-16. When the White Sox allow one or more homers, they have an 8-7 record.
