The Texas Rangers and the Chicago White Sox will meet in the finale of a three-game series on the southside on Sunday. It's time to continue our MLB odds coverage with a Rangers-White Sox prediction and pick.

 

The Rangers defeated the White Sox 11-9 on Saturday. The Sox controlled the game early as they built an early 2-0 lead. Jose Abreu clipped an RBI double to right-center to make it 3-0 in the fourth inning. Then, Jake Burger crushed a changeup for a two-run home run to deep left field. It was his eighth of 2022 and the blast gave the Sox a 5-0 lead. 

The Rangers struck back by adding a run in the fifth. Next, Adolis Garcia came to the plate with two runners on and mashed the baseball into the seats in left to cut the deficit to 5-4. The Sox held onto the lead until the seventh inning rolled around. Then, Kole Calhoun pounded an RBI double to cut the deficit to 7-6. Calhoun scored on a sacrifice fly to tie the game. Neither team scored over the final two frames and it means they would need extra innings to finish. 

Nathaniel Lowe clobbered an RBI double to put the Rangers up 8-7. They added three more runs and held on for an 11-9 win. The Rangers are 27-31 and third in the AL West while the White Sox are 27-30 and third in the AL Central. 

Courtesy of FanDuel, here are the Rangers-White Sox odds:

MLB odds: Rangers-White Sox odds

Rangers: +1.5 (-170)

White Sox : -1.5 (+140)

Over: 8 (-105)

Under: 8 (-115)

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Why The Rangers Could Cover The Spread

The Rangers will go with Jon Gray on the mound today. Gray is 1-3 with a 5.28 ERA. He tossed five innings in his last start, allowing five earned runs on six hits with three strikeouts and four walks. Before this game, Gray had gone six straight starts of reaching six innings. Also, he has struck out 15 batters in two starts, though 12 of those were from a gem he tossed against the Rays. Gray has had an issue with walking batters, as he has allowed six free bases over two games. Also, he needs some offensive support. 

The Rangers are 23rd in batting average, 28th in on-base percentage, 19th in runs, and 16th in slugging percentage. Alternatively, the Rangers are seventh in home runs. They are a team that will score in bunches or rarely score at all. Yesterday, they got 11 runs but only three came on a home run so it does not always work out that way. Garcia now has 12 home runs and 40 RBIs with 32 runs scored. Additionally, Corey Seager has clobbered 16 home runs with 27 RBIs for the Rangers. Texas also has three other players at seven home runs, which puts them all on a 20-home run pace. 

The Rangers will cover the spread if Gray bounces back and has a great outing against the White Sox. Additionally, he needs some offensive support as Garcia, Seager, and Calhoun must execute on their chances. 

Why The White Sox Could Cover The Spread

The Sox will go with Michael Kopech on the hill today. He is 2-2 with a 1.94 ERA this year. Kopech was brilliant in his previous start, not allowing a run on one hit through six innings with eight strikeouts. He has lasted six innings in four of his five starts. Additionally, Kopech has fanned 18 batters through three games. His command of the strike zone has been consistent, and he does not make many mistakes. 

The bullpen must pick up the slack after allowing four runs in the 10th inning yesterday. They currently rank 24th in team ERA and they will not succeed if their relievers cannot do their part. Likewise, the Sox must put their bullpen in a better position to succeed. 

The White Sox are 15th in batting average, 23rd in on-base percentage, 27th in runs scored, 24th in home runs, and 26th in slugging percentage. Burger is hitting .280 with eight home runs and 22 RBIs. Additionally, Jose Abreu has seven home runs and 29 RBIs. Abreu has performed better over the last few weeks, raising his average from .210 to .252. However, the rest of the offense has been inconsistent at best. There are no other real threats in this lineup other than Luis Robert, who is batting .278 with six home runs and 21 RBIs. 

The White Sox will cover the spread if their pitching holds tight. Kopech needs to go at least six innings and deliver another spectacular performance. Additionally, his bullpen must do their part, especially if the Sox get a lead to protect. 

Final Rangers-White Sox Prediction & Pick

Both teams have struggled offensively except for their games against each other. The under is tempting, but Kopech is a better value to back. Expect the Sox to win and cover. 

Final Rangers-White Sox Prediction & Pick: White Sox: -1.5 (+140)