White Sox vs. Angels
Los Angeles, CA – The Chicago White Sox have finally snapped an eight-game skid that led to them being eliminated from contention in the AL Central. With Freddy Garcia’s history against the Los Angeles Angels, a winning streak might be in order.
Garcia’s return from a stiff back couldn’t come against a better opponent, as he’ll hope to improve upon a 15-3 record against the Angels on Friday night.
Oddsmakers from online sports book SBGGLOBAL.com have made the Angels –145 money line favorites for Friday’s game against the White Sox. Current MLB Public Betting Information shows that 54% of more than 524 bets for this game have been placed on the Angels -145.
Chicago (80-72) was swept by Minnesota from Sept. 14-16 to all but end its chances in the Central race, a fate that it formally accepted in a 7-2 loss Tuesday at Oakland that stretched its slide to eight.
The White Sox seemed to be headed for another loss Wednesday but rallied in the ninth inning. Mark Kotsay tied it at 3-all with a two-out RBI single before Mark Teahen delivered a go-ahead double to seal a 4-3 win.
“We don’t give up, man,” manager Ozzie Guillen said. “I’m proud of the way they play, pleased with the way they play.”
Guillen should be especially pleased with the way Garcia (11-6, 4.88 ERA) has handled the Angels (75-77) in his career. Garcia’s 15 wins are his second-most against any opponent, and his 2.45 ERA in those 25 starts is by far his best versus any AL club.
Garcia held Los Angeles to an unearned run and five hits over six innings in a 5-2 home win July 7. Two of the hits came from Torii Hunter, who at .419 (18 for 43) with four homers is the only Angel to have consistent success off Garcia.
The right-hander is 2-3 with a 5.94 ERA in the second half, though, and hasn’t pitched since Sept. 7 because of a sore lower back. He had a successful bullpen session Tuesday, and as a free agent at season’s end, wants to put potential suitors at ease by showing he’s healthy.
“At least one (start) to make everybody know there’s nothing wrong with me,” Garcia, who missed most of 2008 recovering from shoulder surgery, told the White Sox’s official website. “I’ve got pain in my back, but shoulder-wise I’m good.”
He’ll face an Angels team that’s playing well down the stretch. Los Angeles has won three of its last four series, the past two against playoff clubs Tampa Bay and Texas.
Seven outstanding innings from Dan Haren on Wednesday, however, went for naught in a 2-1, 12-inning loss to the Rangers.
Angels starters are 8-4 with a 2.34 ERA in September, and Joel Pineiro (10-7, 4.13) finally got a chance to contribute to that strong month Saturday. Pineiro missed two months with a left oblique strain before returning at Tampa and limiting the Rays to two runs over six innings in a 4-3, 10-inning loss.
“I felt good. I had good stuff,” Pineiro, who is 7-2 with a 2.37 ERA at home, told the Angels’ official website.
The right-hander is 2-5 with a 5.40 ERA in 16 games – eight starts – against the White Sox, whom he hasn’t faced since 2006.
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