The Houston Astros (75-42) blew a late lead against the Chicago White Sox (60-56) Monday, dropping Game 1 of the 4-game series. They’ll look to rebound Tuesday, with first pitch set for 8:10 p.m. ET at Guaranteed Rate Field.
Season series: Tied 2-2
Houston had a 2-0 lead but allowed 4 runs in the eighth to fall 4-2. Houston has lost 6 of their last 8 on the road but still boast a 36-24 mark away from home, good for 3rd in the league.
OF Eloy Jimenez and 3B Yoan Moncada each drove in 2 in the 8th to sneak past Houston Monday. The White Sox have won 4 in a row and sit 2 games behind Cleveland for the top spot in the American League Central division.
Astros at White Sox projected starters
RHP Justin Verlander vs. RHP Dylan Cease
Verlander (15-3, 1.85 ERA) makes his 22nd start. He has a 0.86 WHIP, 1.6 BB/9 and 8.9 K/9 through 136 IP.
- He has been rolling lately with a 1.17 ERA over his last 8 starts.
- He’s sporting 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.
- He has been on an incredible run lately, with 85 K in 65 2/3 IP over his last 11 starts, with just 6 ER allowed (0.82 ERA)
- Cease boasts a 2.50 ERA in 12 starts at home along with a 13.0 K/9.
Astros at White Sox odds and lines
- 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 (+135) | White Sox +1.5 (-170)
- Over/Under (O/U): 6.5 (O: -130 | U: +105)
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 started 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.
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 they aren’t likely to lose by multiple runs. Side with the 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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