The Houston Astros will host the Chicago White Sox for the first 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.
Two of the top clubs in the league will square off in a potential American League postseason matchup. Chicago has been red-hot of late with wins in 10 of its last 13 games. Houston is 7-2 in its last nine games and has won six of seven at Minute Maid Park. This should be the most exciting weekend series on the slate.
Here’s how sportsbooks have set the White Sox-Astros odds.
MLB Odds: White Sox-Astros Odds
Chicago White Sox +1.5 (-170)
Houston Astros -1.5 (+150)
Over 9 Runs (-102)
Under 9 Runs (-118)
Why The White Sox Could Cover The Spread
The White Sox are one of the most talented clubs in the majors this season. They are currently 43-25 and have been especially hot of late. Chicago hasn't lost a series in a very long time despite key injuries to several power hitting outfielders. The tale of the tape is simple. The White Sox score the fifth-most runs per game and have the third-best ERA in all of baseball. Chicago is 6-1 in its last seven games and 4-1 in the last five against the Houston Astros.
Chicago will turn to right-hander Dylan Cease for the series opener. Cease will be making his second career start against the Astros and his first appearance at Minute Maid Park. The White Sox right-hander was great in his last two starts against the Detroit Tigers. Cease allowed two runs with 17 strikeouts in his past 12 innings of work. He is currently 5-2 with a 3.38 ERA and 85 strikeouts on the season.
Why The Astros Could Cover The Spread
The Astros are one of the best clubs in the American League this season behind the league's best offense. Houston currently scores 5.55 runs per game on 9.54 hits per game, which both lead the way in the majors. What's incredible is that they strike out the fewest times in baseball as well. The pitching staff has been serviceable with a 3.75 team ERA, which is good for 11th in baseball. The Astros are 6-1 in their last seven games and 22-13 overall at Minute Maid Park this season.
Houston will turn to right-hander Jose Urquidy for the series opener. Urquidy served up three solo homers in his last start against the Minnesota Twins on Friday. These were simply blemishes in his seven-inning effort, though. The right-hander has allowed 11 home runs and issued 11 walks over 62 innings of work this season. Urquidy has tossed five quality starts for his club this season. He is currently 4-3 with a 3.77 ERA and 55 strikeouts on the year.
Final White Sox-Astros Prediction & Pick
I'm excited to watch this series as it can simply go one of two ways. With the White Sox being the more complete club, they can either choose to slug it out with the Astros or shut them down and win some tight playoff-like games. With the way that Houston has been hitting recently, I expect a slugfest at Minute Maid. Houston has hit the over in four of its last six games coming in. Although these pitchers have been solid, this number is low for these clubs.
FINAL PICK: Over 9 Runs (-102)
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