Nick Martinez (4-1, 2.03 ERA) and Chris Sale (4-2, 3.66 ERA) start in the second of a three-game series between the Texas Rangers (27-25) and the Chicago White Sox (23-27) at Globe Life Park in Arlington. The Rangers won the last game 15-2 and Texas leads the series 1-0. Action begins at 8:05 p.m. ET on Wednesday, Jun. 3 and can be seen on CSN-CHI and FSN-SW.
Martinez pitched 7.0 innings in his most recent start, surrendering two runs, striking out five and walking two in a 5-1 defeat to the Red Sox. Mitch Moreland (.297, 13 Rs, 5 HRs, 18 RBIs, 1 SB) continued his strong play yesterday, going 2 for 4 with three runs. Against the Rangers, Sale is 3-2 with a 4.62 ERA, 1.11 WHIP, and 33 strikeouts. Jose Abreu (.282, 25 Rs, 8 HRs, 29 RBIs) has been successful at the plate for the White Sox, going 2 for 4 yesterday with one run.
Chicago takes on Texas as a -134 favorite. The Over/Under (O/U) for the matchup is sitting at eight runs. The Rangers have an overall money line of +969 and a record as the underdog of 24-22. Texas has gone 7-2 in its last 10 as underdog. The Rangers have seen an uptick in scoring as of late, averaging 6.7 runs during the last 10 games compared to their season average of 4.6 runs per game. The Rangers have no trouble scoring as they rank fourth in the AL in offense with 4.6 runs per game. The Rangers are one of the best in the MLB in terms of extra base hits with 160.
In games where it is the favorite, Chicago has a 12-10 record and an overall money line of -470. The White Sox are tough outs for opponents, ranking fourth in the AL with 8.7 hits per road game. Chicago is excellent at not striking out n the road with just 6.9 per game, ranking fourth in the AL. The White Sox have established a reputation of overwhelming hitters with an AL-best 8.0 strikeouts per game, making them one of the top five teams in the league.
The Rangers have the edge in the season series, 1-0. The Rangers have an 8-10 record against left-handed starting pitchers on the year, which is what they’ll be facing when Sale takes the mound. Martinez (RHP) will be on the hill against the White Sox, who have a 20-21 record against right-handed starting pitchers.
Predictions: SU Winner – TEX, O/U – Over
Notes
When leading after 7 innings, Chicago is 9-8, while Texas is 12-13.
The Rangers are coming into this game after allowing zero walks during their last outing. The White Sox have a 2-6 record when opponents give up that many walks.
When they are outhit, the White Sox are 4-22. The Rangers have a 5-20 record when opponents outhit them.
Chicago ranks near the bottom of the league at 28th when it comes to home runs, hitting 33 this season. Texas ranks in the top 10 at sixth with 58.
Texas and Chicago both rank in the top 10 of the league in hits. Texas sits at seventh with 8.49 hits per game and Chicago ranks ninth with 8.41.
Ranking 29th, Chicago is near the bottom of the league for its on-base plus slugging percentage (.651). Texas ranks in the top 10 at seventh with an OPS of .734.
When the White Sox allow at least one home run, they are 12-21, well-matched with the Rangers who are 13-21 when allowing at least one homer.
