The Los Angeles Angels (57-49) and Chicago White Sox (57-47) will open up a three-game American League series on Friday night at U.S. Cellular Field, with the first ptich scheduled for 8:10 ET
Los Angeles Angels at Chicago White Sox
Los Angeles may have earned a split in a crucial four-game series against the Texas Rangers in the Lone Star State, but the pitching staff was blasted for 26 runs in dropping the final two contests. “It was kind of a momentum-killer, with how we played the first two nights to how we played these last two,” commented Angels manager Mike Scioscia. It was a disappointing result when the offense plated 40 runs and came away with just two victories. Los Angeles is 14-4 as a road favorite of -125 to -150 this season, with the “under” going 10-7 in that situation.
Angels starting pitcher Zack Greinke (9-4, 3.39 ERA) will make his second start for his new team, as he suffered a 2-0 home loss to the Tampa Bay Rays in his first effort, allowing two runs an seven hits in seven frames. The right-hander is 5-3 with a 4.09 ERA in 13 road outings, surrendering just three home runs in 70.1 combined innings. Greinke is no stranger to facing the White Sox due to his time in Kansas City, posting a 7-10 record and 3.98 ERA in 25 career appearances (22 starts).
Chicago enjoyed a day off on Thursday after finishing a recent 19-game stretch with a 10-9 record, which gains some strength when considering that 16 of those contests were played away from the Windy City. The White Sox are now ready to open a nine-game, 10-day homestand, entering the series opener with a 2.5-game lead over the Detroit Tigers in the AL Central standings. Chicago is 11-2 at home when the total is 9 to 9.5, while the “over” is 9-4 in that situation.
White Sox starting pitcher Philip Humber (5-5, 5.90 ERA) has won three of his last four efforts, but each of those games were played away from U.S. Cellular Field. The right-hander is a dismal 0-3 with a 6.93 ERA in seven home outings this year, surrendering 10 home runs in just 37.2 combined frames. In two career games (one start) versus the Angels, Humber has produced in 0-1 record and 2.57 ERA.
Sports bettors will likely back the White Sox due to their 5-0 mark in Humber’s last five efforts versus AL West foes, while the Angels are 1-4 on the road with a total of 9 to 10.5.
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