The Chicago White Sox will host the Houston Astros in the first of a three-game set at Guaranteed Rate Field. It's the beginning of a crucial second half for both clubs. These two teams have the best odds of winning the World Series in the American League this season. It’s time to continue our MLB odds series and make a Astros-White Sox prediction and pick.
Here’s how sportsbooks have set the opening Astros-White Sox odds.
MLB Odds: Astros-White Sox Odds
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Houston Astros -1.5 (+105)
Chicago White Sox +1.5 (-125)
Over 8.5 Runs (-120)
Under 8.5 Runs (+100)
Why The Astros Could Cover The Spread
The Houston Astros open the second half currently sitting atop the AL West standings at 55-36. The Astros are the second-most likely team to win the World Series, just behind the defending champs. They are nine games over .500 and have a +2.10 average run differential in road games, thanks to their league-leading offensive production. Jose Altuve will have more weight on his shoulders with Carlos Correa and Alex Bregman on the 10-day IL. Look for Houston to continue their uber-aggressive approach as they have been the most dominant team in baseball over the past couple of months.
Houston will open up the second half with right-hander Lance McCullers Jr. McCullers has been one of the Astro's most consistent starters during the first half of the year. The veteran starter is 6-2 with a 2.94 ERA and 89 strikeouts through 14 starts. He allowed two runs and two hits in six innings against the White Sox back on June 20th. McCullers continues to dominate in a career year.
Why The White Sox Could Cover The Spread
The Chicago White Sox open the second half with a commanding eight-game lead in the AL Central division. They have been playing incredible baseball despite the absence of many key hitters in the middle of their lineup. Chicago will look to carry momentum over as they won their last five games before the All-Star break. They scored at least six runs in each of their last four wins as well. The White Sox are an impressive 31-13 and have a +1.32 average run differential at home this season.
Chicago will turn to right-hander Dylan Cease in the series opener. Cease has enjoyed an up-and-down season to this point with a 7-4 record and 4.11 ERA through 18 starts. He has been striking hitters out with 117 punch-outs through 92 innings of work. The White Sox starter is 4-0 with a 1.81 ERA at Guaranteed Rate Field, which is promising against a depleted Astros lineup.
Final Astros-White Sox Prediction & Pick
I am picking the Chicago White Sox to open the second half of the season with a big win against an American League rival. The Astros pose the biggest threat to Chicago this season and the White Sox will look to make a statement at home. They have been one of the best home teams in baseball and they are red-hot coming in. Expect a lower scoring game than usual with Lance McCullers going for the Astros as well. Chicago picks up a much needed tight win in a likely impressive performance by White Sox starter Dylan Cease.
FINAL ASTROS-WHITE SOX PREDICTION AND PICK: Chicago White Sox ML (+127)
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