Astros vs. White Sox Prediction
Justin Verlander has pitched against the Chicago White Sox many times in his career. Now as part of the Houston Astros, will he have continued success at Chicago when these two face off at 8:10PM ET?
Game Snapshot & Odds
925 Houston Astros at 926 Chicago White Sox
Friday, April 20, 2018
8:10PM ET, Guaranteed Rate Field
TV: ATSW (Hou); NSCH (Chi)
Public Betting Trends
According to oddsmakers at YouWager, the Astros are listed as the heavy favorite on the road, as they are getting odds of -270 to win. Chicago is listed with a money line of +230 to prevail, while the over/under total for the contest has been set at 8 runs. Currently 90% of the wagers are going on the Astros on the road. This information is subject to change, however, so be sure to check out our MLB Public Betting Page for updated figures on the game.
Houston back on track
After a three-game losing streak last weekend, the Astros bounced back this week with three straight wins at Seattle. Houston is now 13-7 overall and 7-4 on the road. The Astros are averaging 4.40 runs per game while allowing just 2.75 per contest.
Verlander makes his fifth start this season. He has been stellar for Houston so far as he has settled into their ace role. Through four starts he is 2-0 with a 1.35 ERA and a 0.75 WHIP. Verlander has 34 strikeouts with just five walks over 26.2 innings.
White Sox falling apart
Chicago has lost its last four and nine of its last 10 after getting swept in Oakland this week. The Sox are now 4-11 on the season and 1-5 at home. Chicago is scoring 4.13 runs per game while allowing 6.20 per contest.
James Shields will get the start tonight despite appearing in Wednesday’s game in relief. He pitched just 0.2 innings and allowed one run. For the season, he is 1-1 on the season with a 1.56 WHIP and a 4.50 ERA. Shields has only seven strikeouts with nine walks over 18 innings of work.
MLB Betting Trends
Houston
The Astros have won 12 of Verlander’s last 14 starts, including six straight when he is on four days of rest. Houston also has won eight of its last 10 Friday games.
Chicago
Along with losing five of six at home, the Sox have lost their last five series openers and four straight against a right-handed starter.
Prediction:
The White Sox have horrible pitching, which should help a Houston lineup that isn’t overly dominant at the plate. With Verlander pitching, Houston won’t need a lot to win today, but I think the Astros are going to win big. Shields isn’t a great option on the mound for Chicago in a game that they will need to keep low scoring.
The Pick: Houston Astros -1.5 (-170)