The Tigers and White Sox are set for an AL Central matchup on Friday night in Chicago. Runs were at a premium in the series opener on Thursday, as the White Sox won 3-1. But things could be different in Friday's contest. Chicago starting pitcher David Sandlin will be making just his 5th big league start, and the first 4 haven't gone as planned. The 25-year-old rookie enters this matchup with a 5.64 ERA through 30.1 innings of work. The Tigers have scored just 2 total runs over their last 2 games, but they seem to be in a favorable spot here. Furthermore, the Tigers still own a solid team OPS of .750 in September, so I like their chances of having a better night at the plate in this one.
Detroit will send left-hander Andrew Sears to the mound. Sears is also a rookie, and this will be his 3rd MLB start. Like Sandlin, Sears has struggled to begin his MLB career. He is sporting a 5.40 ERA and 1.38 WHIP through 16.2 innings, and he is set to face a tough White Sox lineup. Chicago is among the most powerful lineups in baseball, and they rank 6th in MLB in total home runs this season with 196. Given the inexperience of both starting pitchers, look for both offenses to thrive in this divisional matchup. With a total of 8.5, take confidence in the over.
Tigers vs White Sox prediction: Over 8.5 (-110) available at time of publishing. Playable to -120.
