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The Chicago White Sox will play the second of a three-game series against the Detroit Tigers at Comerica Park on Saturday. It's time to continue our MLB odds series with a White Sox-Tigers prediction and pick.
The White Sox are coming off a 5-4 loss to the Tigers in yesterday's season opener in Detroit. Chicago built an early lead. Elroy Jimenez started it with an RBI single in the first inning to make it 1-0. Then, AJ Pollock added an RBI single in the second inning. Additionally, Luis Robert clipped a double to make it 3-0. However, things turned sour when Lucas Giolito exited the game after four innings with tightness in his left side. Soon, the Tigers began the comeback.
Jeimer Candelario put the Tigers on the board in the bottom of the sixth with an RBI single to right-center field, bringing Robbie Grossman home to make it 3-1. With the White Sox holding onto a 3-1 lead in the bottom of the eighth, Chicago turned to closer Liam Hendricks with two men on, and two outs, facing Miguel Cabrera. Cabrera punched in a single, driving in Grossman and Austin Meadows home to tie in the game. In the top of the ninth, the Sox retake the lead off a solo home run by Andrew Vaughn. Hendricks returned to the mound in the ninth. He gave up a game-tying solo home run to Eric Haase. He got one additional out before giving up a triple to Meadows. Ultimately, Javier Baez won the game on a walk-off single to deep right field, giving the Tigers the thrilling Opening Day victory.
Courtesy of FanDuel, here are the White Sox-Tigers MLB odds:
MLB Odds: White Sox-Tigers Odds
White Sox: -1.5 (+120)
Tigers: +1.5 (-144)
Over: 8.5 (-112)
Under: 8.5 (-110)
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Why The White Sox Could Cover The Spread
Chicago blew it yesterday. The bullpen failed to hold onto the lead. However, there is hope with today's starting pitcher. Dylan Cease takes the mound. Last year, Cease went 3-0 in four starts against the Tigers. Moreover, he dominated them, as Cease gave up no earned runs in two starts. Likewise, he looks to do more of the same. Consequently, the Sox will also need help with the bullpen, especially if a pitch count is intact.
Aaron Bummer put the Sox in trouble in the eighth inning when he gave up two singles and a walk before surrendering the game to Hendricks. Kendal Graveman was efficient, pitching 1 2/3 innings of work and only allowing one hit. However, Chicago needs Bummer and Graveman to pitch efficiently if the game is close. Furthermore, the White Sox needs Jose Abreu to swing the bat. He went 0 for 3 in the opener and will need to slug the ball to give the White Sox offense the jolt it needs. In addition to Abreu, the Sox need Yasmani Grandall to hit better. Similarly, Grandall went 0 for 3 in yesterday's game.
The White Sox will cover the spread if Cease continues his dominance against the Tigers. Additionally, Chicago will cover the spread if its bullpen performs significantly better than it did in the opener. Lastly, the Sox will win this game by multiple points if Abreu and Grandall pop off.
Why The Tigers Could Cover The Spread
Detroit pulled out all the stops yesterday. Everything that could go right did go right in the end. Now, the Tigers have to do it again. Casey Mize takes the mound for the Tigers. He has never defeated the White Sox in four career starts. Last year, Mize went 0-3 against the Sox. However, he pitched efficiently in two starts, giving up three earned runs each. The Tigers need him to pitch to his capabilities. In addition to Mize, the Tigers need to solve Cease.
Cease dominated the Tigers last season and could continue the trend if the Tigers cannot pressure him early in the game. If he finds the strike zone, then the Tigers will be in for a long day. Likewise, Baez and the offense must build off the win from yesterday.
The Tigers will cover the spread if Mize throws a gem. Likewise, Detroit will cover the spread if they can hit the ball well off Cease and force him off his game. In conclusion, the Tigers' offense needs to roar and find the holes to amp up the pressure on the Chicago bullpen.
Final White Sox-Tigers Prediction & Pick
The White Sox are the better team on paper. Chicago has the better starting pitcher, and that is the key to victory. Mize will be a dominant pitcher someday, but he still has not figured out the Sox. In addition to that, Chicago will be peeved after blowing it in the season opener. Thus, expect the White Sox to avenge that loss and win easily.
Final White Sox-Tigers Prediction & Pick: White Sox -1.5 (+120)
