Two of baseball's best teams play head-to-head at Tropicana Field on Friday night, in the opener on a three-game set. It’s time to continue our MLB odds series and make a White Sox-Rays prediction and pick.
Holding the best and third best records in the American League, respectively, this series is very much a possible ALDS or ALCS preview. The Rays hold the best record in the AL, but their division lead is shrinking slightly due to the Yankees recent dominance. In the AL Central, the White Sox are now a virtual lock to win the division. They lead the second-place Indians by 11 1/2 games. At this point, the White Sox are just looking ahead to their second consecutive postseason appearance.
Here’s how the bookmakers have set the lines for Friday’s game.
MLB Odds: White Sox-Rays Odds
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Chicago White Sox (-117)
Tampa Bay Rays (+107)
Over 9 runs (-102)
Under 9 runs (-118)
Why The White Sox Could Win
In the series opener, taking the hill for the White Sox is one of baseball's best pitchers- Luis Giolito. In his last seven games, Giolito has posted a 2.98 ERA in 42 1/3 innings pitched. Less than two weeks ago, he tossed eight innings of one-run baseball, allowing just two hits, no walks, and striking out eight batters in a win against the Twins. While the Rays are a more potent lineup than Minnesota's, Giolito's dominance cannot be understated. The White Sox just took three of four games from the Athletics as well, another one of baseball's best teams. Throwing out Giolito against the Rays is great news for a White Sox team that is looking to earn the top seed in the AL.
Why The Rays Could Win
The fact that the best team in the AL is getting plus money tonight might actually be the best reason to bet Tampa Bay here. But aside from the odds, Michael Wacha is due a better game. Over his last three starts, he's allowed six, five, and seven earned runs to the Mariners, Orioles, and Twins, respectively. Not exactly the best lineups in baseball. So why should we expect Wacha to do better against a much more powerful White Sox team? Wacha's July ERA was much more solid 3.60. Even if Wacha does not throw a gem tonight (unexpected), I would expect him to defer to the law of averages and throw at least a quality start. He's much better than his August numbers indicate. With the Rays power-happy lineup (168 total team home runs, third most in the AL), even a mediocre start from Wacha can be salvaged by a productive day at the plate for Tampa Bay.
Final White Sox-Rays Prediction & Pick
I'm sticking to my belief that Michael Wacha will pitch a bounceback game today. Giolito will pitch a quality start too, but the Rays hitters will tack on a few runs off Chicago's bullpen. Wacha earns his best start of August thus far and gives the Rays a series-opening victory. This is the best team in the AL for a reason. Plus money for the AL's best team, at home?! Easy pick here.
FINAL PICK: Rays MONEYLINE (+107)
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