The Chicago White Sox and Cleveland Guardians resume on Monday night as the White Sox have a 1-0 lead in the series. Game 1 was a bit of a surprise, as the Sox managed to hold the Guardians scoreless with a bullpen game. In Game 2, the Sox return to the top of their rotation, and Cleveland should still have the advantage on the mound nonetheless. With a day off Sunday, and another day off coming Tuesday, all bullpen arms will be available too. Scoring will come at a premium, but I still like the advantage on the mound for the Guardians, and the desperation spot at home too. Give me the Guardians on the money line.
Gavin Williams takes the ball for Cleveland. Williams led the AL in strikeouts, and he has averaged 7 punchies per start against the White Sox. We can expect a power performance from a well-rested Williams on Tuesday. Sean Burke has pitched well against Cleveland this season also. He only lasted four innings against Houston last week, but that has been the pattern for the White Sox so far in the postseason. I like Williams better, and I like his chances of working deeper into the game. I also like the spot for Cleveland—they can’t afford to go to Chicago down 2-0. Look for Cleveland to apply better pressure on the offensive side than they did in Game 1. Take Cleveland to even things up.
White Sox vs Guardians prediction: Guardians ML (-155) available at time of publishing. Playable to -165.
