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The Minnesota Twins will host the Chicago White Sox for the third and final game of this series on Wednesday afternoon. It’s time to continue our MLB odds series and make a White Sox-Twins prediction and pick.
We have a rubber match on our hands as these clubs have split the first two games of this series. Wednesday's rubber match doesn't have any real implications as the White Sox are currently 14.5 games ahead of the Twins in the AL Central. Chicago has been struggling lately and will look to build on their three-run victory against Minnesota on Tuesday.
Here’s how sportsbooks have set the opening White Sox-Twins odds.
MLB Odds: White Sox-Twins Odds
Chicago White Sox -1.5 (+115)
Minnesota Twins +1.5 (-135)
Over 8.5 Runs (-105)
Under 8.5 Runs (-115)
Why The White Sox Could Cover The Spread
The Chicago White Sox have been one of the best teams in the Majors this season with a 50-34 record to date. They currently have a comfortable 6.5 game lead in the AL Central division despite losses in three of their last four games coming into this rubber match. The White Sox struggles have come mostly on the road as they have a 19-21 away from the South Side. Chicago has enjoyed playing Minnesota in recent history as they've taken five of the last six head-to-head matchups.
Chicago's bats have stayed hot during this brief cold spell with at least five runs scored in eight of its last nine games. The pitching staff has let them down a bit with 26 runs allowed over their last four games. The White Sox are currently scoring 5.01 runs and allowing 3.88 runs per game this season. They've seen a significant drop-off in defensive efficiency on the road, which explains their +0.65 run differential in road games.
Chicago will turn to veteran right-hander Lance Lynn for the rubber match. Lynn has really enjoyed pitching on the South Side of Chicago as he has an 8-3 record and 2.02 ERA through 15 starts. The crafty starter has a 1.03 WHIP and 99 strikeouts through 84.2 innings of work this season. He is coming off of an impressive one-run start against the Tigers in his last outing.
Why The Twins Could Cover The Spread
The Minnesota Twins season hasn't gone according to plan as they currently sit 14.5 games back in the AL Central at 35-49. The Twins can certainly write this season off and should be active sellers at the trade deadline. For now, they're playing for pride as their offense has been fairly productive despite all of their struggles this season. The Twins have actually faired well against the White Sox with a 13-7 record in their last 20 home games against the division foes.
Minnesota's potent lineup is currently averaging 4.64 runs per game, which is the 11th-best mark in the Majors. The Twins are sixth in the league in hits per game and have the ability to win games with their bats night in and night out. It's difficult to really do so when your pitching and defense is as bad as the Twins is, though. Minnesota is allowing 5.40 runs per game, which is the third-worst mark in baseball. Its -0.76 average run differential explains their 18-24 record at Target Field.
The Twins will turn to big right-hander Michael Pineda for the rubber match. Pineda has been decent for Minnesota with a 3-4 record and a 3.70 ERA through 11 starts. He has really struggled of late with a 4.54 ERA through his last seven starts, though. Even more recently, Pineda is 0-2 with 10 earned runs allowed over his last three starts and 11.1 innings of work.
Final White Sox-Twins Prediction & Pick
The Chicago White Sox finally got out of their brief rut with a solid win on Tuesday, which should boost their confidence heading into this rubber match. Lance Lynn has been stellar for the White Sox and will have the edge in almost any pitching matchup. Chicago's offense hasn't gone anywhere and with Lynn dealing for them, the defense should continue to turn things around on Wednesday afternoon. Look for the White Sox to win this game in a comfortable fashion.
FINAL PICK: Chicago White Sox ML (-133)
