Nathan Karns (3-3, 3.86 ERA) and Chris Sale (6-2, 3.04 ERA) start in the last of a three-game series between the Tampa Bay Rays (34-29) and the Chicago White Sox (28-32) at Tropicana Field. The Rays won the last game 5-4 and Tampa Bay leads the series 2-0. Action begins at 1:10 p.m. ET on Sunday, Jun. 14 and can be seen on WGN and SunSports.
Karns pitched 5.2 innings in his most recent start, surrendering four runs (one unearned), striking out four and walking two in an 8-2 defeat to the Angels. David DeJesus (.301, 17 Rs, 5 HRs, 20 RBIs, 2 SBs) went 1 for 3 yesterday with one run and one stolen base. Against the Rays, Sale is 2-2 with a 3.67 ERA, 1.22 WHIP, and 40 strikeouts. Jose Abreu (.291, 33 Rs, 12 HRs, 40 RBIs) has been successful at the plate for the White Sox, going 2 for 4 yesterday with one run and one RBI.
Chicago takes on Tampa Bay as a -140 favorite. The Over/Under (O/U) for the matchup is sitting at seven runs. The Rays have an overall money line of +287 and a record as the underdog of 17-16. Opposing offenses have been stifled by the Rays, who have a team ERA of only 3.30. The Rays are the fourth-best team in the league at limiting hits and walks to their opponents, recording a WHIP of 1.19 so far this season.
In games where it is the favorite, Chicago has a 16-12 record and an overall money line of -483. The White Sox have established a reputation of overwhelming hitters with an AL-best 8.2 strikeouts per game, making them one of the top five teams in the league.
The Rays have the edge in the season series, 2-0. The Rays have a 12-8 record against left-handed starting pitchers on the year, which is what they’ll be facing when Sale takes the mound. Karns (RHP) will be on the hill against the White Sox, who have a 23-25 record against right-handed starting pitchers.
Predictions: SU Winner – TB, O/U – Over
Notes
Tampa Bay and Chicago have both won 52% (12-11) of their games when they lead after 7 innings.
The Rays are coming into this game after allowing two walks during their last outing. The White Sox have a 15-25 record when opponents give up that many walks or fewer.
It looks like the Rays have a slight leg up on the White Sox, as the Rays have won their last two games while the White Sox have lost their last two.
When they outhit their opponents, the Rays are 23-5. The White Sox have a 20-3 record when outhitting opponents.
Both falling near the bottom of the league based on total runs this season, Tampa Bay ranks 25th with 234 runs and Chicago is 28th with 220.
Ranking 28th, Chicago is near the bottom of the league in walks, notching 140 this season. Tampa Bay ranks in the bottom half at 18th with 170.
The Rays are 23-15 in games where they hit one or more home runs. The White Sox are 16-15 when they hit at least one homer.
