James Shields (5-14, 5.78 ERA) and Kendall Graveman (8-8, 4.37 ERA) are on the hill in the first of a three-game series between the Chicago White Sox (57-63) and the Oakland Athletics (52-69) at U.S. Cellular Field. The Athletics come into this series in the midst of a five-game losing streak. Action begins at 8:10 p.m. ET on Friday, Aug. 19 and can be seen on CSN+ and CSCA.
Shields pitched 3.0 innings in his last outing, surrendering seven runs and walking one in an 8-7 win over the Marlins. Adam Eaton (.276, 60 Rs, 11 HRs, 45 RBIs, 12 SBs) went 1 for 3 yesterday with one run. Graveman went 6.0 innings, surrendering four runs, striking out two and walking one in a 4-3 defeat to the Mariners in his most recent start. Danny Valencia (.298, 49 Rs, 14 HRs, 43 RBIs) has been successful at the plate, going 2 for 4 Wednesday.
Chicago is a slim -110 favorite at home against Oakland. The matchup has an estimated Over/Under (O/U) of nine runs. The White Sox have an overall money line of -454 and a record as the favorite of 30-24.
In games where it is the underdog, Oakland has a 35-47 record and an overall money line of -1,350.
The White Sox lead the season series, 3-1. The White Sox have a 45-51 record against right-handed starting pitchers on the year, which is what they’ll be facing when Graveman takes the mound. Shields (RHP) will be on the hill against the Athletics, who have a 39-50 record against right-handed starting pitchers.
Predictions: SU Winner – CWS, O/U – Over
Notes
The White Sox are coming into this game after allowing one walk during their last outing. The Athletics have a 9-28 record when opponents give up one walk or less.
When they are outhit, the White Sox are 9-47. The Athletics have a 13-55 record when opponents outhit them.
Ranking 24th in home runs, Chicago has hit 120 this season. Oakland ranks 19th with 132 home runs.
Ranking 11th, Oakland is in the top half of the league in hits, notching 8.50 per game. Chicago ranks in the top 10 with 8.62.
Chicago and Oakland both rank near the bottom of the league for their on-base plus slugging percentage. Chicago sits at 22nd with an OPS of .715, and Oakland ranks 27th with an OPS of .706.
The Athletics are 25-56 in games where they allow one or more home runs. The White Sox are 33-42 when they allow at least one homer.
