The Houston Astros will host the Chicago White Sox for the second of a four-game set at Minute Maid Park. It’s time to continue our MLB odds series and make a White Sox-Astros prediction and pick.
Houston took the series opener by a score of 10-2 behind a strong seven-inning start from Jose Urquidy. The Astros have been dominant at home lately with wins in seven of their last eight games at Minute Maid Park. With the loss, Chicago is now 4-11 in their last 15 games against the Astros. They have been playing well of late, but we'll see if the White Sox can reverse their fortunes against this American League foe.
Here’s how sportsbooks have set the opening White Sox-Astros odds.
MLB Odds: White Sox-Astros Odds
Chicago White Sox -1.5 (+145)
Houston Astros +1.5 (-165)
Over 8 Runs (-115)
Under 8 Runs (-105)
Why The White Sox Could Cover The Spread
The Chicago White Sox have been playing very well of late and now face a tough stretch in their schedule. Chicago started the week with a three-game series against the Tampa Bay Rays and won two out of three against the defending AL champions. They followed that up with a four-game trip to Houston, which resulted in an eight-run loss on Thursday night. Despite the loss, Chicago is still leading the AL Central by a comfortable three and a half games.
The Chicago White Sox are one of the most complete teams in all of baseball. They are currently averaging 4.97 runs per game, which is the fifth-best mark in the league. The White Sox pitching staff has been just as dominant, allowing 3.54 runs per game. They've allowed the second-fewest runs, fifth-fewest hits, and fourth-most strikeouts in the Majors.
Chicago will turn to left-hander Carlos Rodon as they look to even this series. Rodon is having a stellar season with a 6-2 record and 1.89 ERA. The southpaw took a no-hitter into the seventh inning Sunday against Detroit and finished with just one hit allowed. This was the third start of allowing no hits or one this season. Rodon has struck out 97 batters over 66.2 innings of work while allowing just 39 hits.
Why The Astros Could Cover The Spread
The Houston Astros have been red-hot lately and are inching closer to the Oakland Athletics for the top seed in the AL West. The Astros are currently in second place with a 40-28 record. They have won four-straight games and now have an 11-4 record in the month of June. Houston has done most of their damage at home with a record of 23-13 at Minute Maid Park.
The Astros possess the most potent offense in all of baseball. They lead the league in runs and hits per game and strikeout at the lowest rate in the Majors. They average a whopping 5.47 runs and allow just 4.06 runs per game at home this season. Houston will look to build on their 7-1 record over their last eight home games.
Houston will turn to right-hander Luis Garcia for the second game of the series. Garcia is coming off of a rough start that saw him give up four runs in just over four innings against the Twins. He had won five consecutive starts before that and brings a 2.98 ERA into this start. Garcia currently has a 3.14 ERA in 57.1 innings as a starter this season.
Final White Sox-Astros Prediction & Pick
In a game that features two potent offenses, I'm actually siding with the under. This pitching matchup features two electrifying arms that have been pitching especially well of late. The White Sox are an elite defensive club and I see them being in control of this matchup. Rodon has been better pitching on the road this season and I see that trend continuing in a low-scoring affair.
FINAL PICK: Under 8 Runs (-105)
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