Cleveland Guardians vs. Chicago White Sox Betting Preview

With the top three teams in the AL Central separated by a mere 2.5 games, the Cleveland Guardians (63-55) will try to create some separation in the standings as they host the Chicago White Sox (61-58) starting on Friday. 

This first of a three-game series will be played at Progressive Field with first pitch scheduled for 7:10 pm ET.

After taking the first two games of their last series with the Houston Astros, the White sox have lost back-to-back games including an embarrassing 21-5 loss at the hands of Houston on Thursday. Offensively, Yoan Moncada did the most damage with a three-run home run in the fifth inning.

For the Guardians, they split their last series with the Detroit Tigers, taking two games apiece. The Guardians did win the finale on Wednesday 8-4.

Cleveland enjoyed a day off on Thursday before welcoming in the White Sox. This season, the Guardians are 31-24 when playing at home.

Guardians vs. White Sox Betting Odds

The Guardians are the favorite in Friday’s game. They are -132 to win while the White Sox moneyline sits at +112. The runline features Chicago +1.5 (-188), and the over/under for total runs is 7.5.

You can bet on this Guardins matchup for free in Ohio using betJACK Training Camp.

Pitching Matchup

Chicago will send veteran righty Lance Lynn to the mound Friday. In 12 games, he is 3-5 with a 5.62 ERA, 1.25 WHIP, and he has 69 strikeouts in 65.2 innings.

The Guardians will counter with righty Triston McKenzie. He is 8-9 in 22 games with a 3.14 ERA, 0.97 WHIP, and he has 124 strikeouts in 134.2 innings.

White Sox Look To Cut Deficit

After having won five games in a row, the Chicago White Sox were blasted in their last loss on Thursday. Still, sitting just 2.5 games behind Cleveland in the division, they have a great opportunity to try to cut into the deficit starting on Friday.

Keep an eye on Seby Zavala in this one. Despite having just four at bats against McKenzie in his career, he is two for four with two home runs and five runs batted in.

Chicago’s best hitter this season has been first baseman Jose Abreu. He is currently hitting .306/.381/.463 with a team-leading 14 home runs and 66 runs scored. He also has 56 runs batted in.

Cleveland Looks To Stay Hot Against Division Rival

Having won seven of their last 10 games, the Cleveland Guardians come into this one as the hottest team in the division. Starting Friday, they will look to stay hot and create some separation in the tightest division in baseball.

Jose Ramirez continues to be Cleveland’s hottest hitter. In 438 at bats, he is hitting .281/.351/.534 with 22 home runs, 98 runs batted in, 65 runs, and 14 stolen bases.

Ramirez has also had a lot of success against Lance Lynn in his career. In 23 at bats against the righty, he is hitting .348 with three home runs and seven runs batted in.

Golden Opportunity For Cleveland

Over the course of the last week, the White Sox have shown flashes of why they were the preseason favorites to win the AL Central. With the team playing better baseball overall, the Guardians will have their work cut out for them this series.

In Friday’s opener, the Guardians will be taking on a pitcher in Lance Lynn who has largely struggled this season. Despite his overall struggles, he has picked up wins in two of his last three outings and has allowed just seven runs in his last 18 innings combined.

Cleveland is really going to need a good start out of Triston McKenzie on Friday. If he can limit the damage, the Guardians’ offense should be able to do enough against Lynn to pick up the win. With matchups against Johnny Cueto and Dylan Cease later this weekend, the Guardians would love to start the series off on a high note with a win Friday.