The Houston Astros (75-42) blew a late lead against the Chicago White Sox (60-56) Monday, dropping the opener of this 4-game series. They’ll look to rebound Tuesday with first pitch set for 8:10 p.m. ET at Guaranteed Rate Field. Let’s analyze Tipico Sportsbook‘s lines around the Astros vs. White Sox odds with MLB picks and predictions.
Season series: Tied 2-2
In Monday’s opener, the Astros led 2-0 after the top of the 1st inning but allowed 4 runs in the 8th to fall 4-2, snapping a 5-game win streak. They still boast a 36-24 mark away from home, good for 3rd in the league – behind the Dodgers’ 40-19 and the Mets’ 35-22 – but they have lost 6 of their last 8 on the road.
With 2 outs in the bottom of the 8th Monday, White Sox OF Eloy Jimenez and 3B Yoan Moncada each drove in 2 runs for the come-from-behind victory. It was Chicago’s 4th consecutive win – it is 2 games behind Cleveland for the top spot in the AL Central Division.
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Astros at White Sox projected starters
RHP Justin Verlander vs. RHP Dylan Cease
Verlander (15-3, 1.85 ERA) makes his 22nd start. Along with leading the majors in wins and ERA, the 2-time Cy Young winner features the top WHIP (0.86). He’s walked just 1.6 BB/9 and struck out 8.9 K/9 through 136 IP.
- Has been rolling lately with a 1.17 ERA (53 2/3 IP, 7 ER) over last 8 starts
- Sports a shiny 1.58 ERA in 11 road starts, though a .165 BABIP has certainly played a role in his success
Cease (12-5, 1.96 ERA) makes his 24th start. He has a 1.14 WHIP, 3.8 BB/9 and 12.2 K/9 through 128 2/3 IP.
- Has been on an incredible run lately, posing a 0.82 ERA (62 2/3 IP, 6 ER) with 85 K in last 11 starts
- Boasts a 2.50 ERA in 12 home starts along with a 13.0 K/9
Astros at White Sox odds and lines
Odds provided by Tipico Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list. Lines last updated at 1:58 p.m. ET.
- Money line (ML): Astros -130 (bet $130 to win $100) | White Sox +105 (bet $100 to win $105)
- Run line (RL)/Against the spread (ATS): Astros -1.5 (+138) | White Sox +1.5 (-170)
- Over/Under (O/U): 6.5 (O: -130 | U: +105)
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Astros at White Sox picks and predictions
Prediction
White Sox 4, Astros 2
Money line
The White Sox have taken advantage of a soft schedule in recent weeks and have won 10 of their last 12 home games. They have won 9 of the last 11 starts by Cease, while the Astros have won 10 of the last 12 times Verlander has taken the mound.
Cease has been the best pitcher in the league over the past couple of months and hasn’t allowed more than 1 ER in a start since late May.
Back the home team and go with WHITE SOX (+105).
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Run line/Against the spread
This sets up to be a pitchers’ duel and should be close throughout. Cease has been as dominant as anyone for an extended period now, and Chicago isn’t likely to lose by multiple runs.
Side with WHITE SOX +1.5 (-170).
Over/Under
The Under is 6-2-1 in Chicago’s last 9 home games and 5-1 in Houston’s last 6 on the road.
With these pitchers squaring off, there won’t be many runs, and either starter is fully capable of completely shutting down the opposition.
Take the plus odds and UNDER 6.5 (+105) or bump the total up and take ALTERNATE TOTAL UNDER 7.5 (-155).
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