Thursday afternoon features the end of the midweek series between the Boston Red Sox (39-31, 2nd place in the AL East) and the Chicago White Sox (35-36, 4th place in the AL Central). The White Sox had gotten off to a terrific start, matching their crosstown Cubs, but have since fallen off the wagon. The Red Sox have chased the Orioles in the East so far this season, but their pitching has a way of letting their powerful offense down. The White Sox took the first two games in this series, so Boston is looking to avoid the home sweep. Be sure to take a look at more MLB betting lines by clicking here.
Chicago White Sox vs Boston Red Sox MLB Odds Analysis
When: Tuesday, June 21, 2016, 1:35pm Eastern time
Where: Fenway Park, Boston
TV: WGN, NESN
Radio: WEEI 93.7 FM Boston
Live Stream: MLB.tv
Pitching Matchup: James Shields (2-9, 6.28 ERA) (CHI) vs Rick Porcello (8-2, 3.76 ERA) (BOS)
MLB Odds: TBA
Why should you bet on the White Sox?
The White Sox have actually built some momentum in this series with consecutive wins. Despite the fact that Rick Porcello has put up ace-like numbers this season, the White Sox have been able to hit him pretty hard historically. He is only 10-8 with a 4.09 ERA against the Palehose. Adam Eaton, Melky Cabrera and Jose Abreu have all taken him deep when they faced him. Avisail Garcia (.389), Cabrera (.565), Brett Lawrie (.375) and Alex Avila (.333) are all hitting significantly above their career averages against Porcello.
Why should you put your money on the Red Sox?
The White Sox did trade for James Shields thinking that they were bringing a top-line arm to their rotation. However, he has only gone 8 2/3 innings in two starts in Chicago, and he has had to face 62 batters in that span – about 7 per inning. He has permitted 25 hits and 21 earned runs, while walking nine and striking out just five. When he was with Kansas City, he did a lot better against the Red Sox, but this year he has been through a lot of meat. The Red Sox have a huge offense that should make him pay.
Expert Pick and Final Score Prediction
I like the Red Sox to knock Shields out early and run all over the White Sox. I’m predicting an 8-4 Boston win.
