Cleveland Guardians vs Chicago White Sox 7/27/2023 Expert Picks, Tips and Odds
On Thursday evening, the Cleveland Guardians hit the road again to kick off a thrilling MLB American League Central Division four-game series against their division rivals, the Chicago White Sox, at Guaranteed Rate Field in Chicago, Illinois. The Guardians have had a decent run lately, splitting their last 102 games and securing victories in their previous two matches. With a road record of 23-27, they currently hold the second position in the AL Central, trailing the Minnesota Twins by just two games.
The Cleveland Guardians‘ performance has been solid throughout the campaign, scoring 428 runs while conceding 422, resulting in a +6 run difference. They confidently head into this AL Central Division showdown having clinched three consecutive series victories, including a recent three-game triumph over the Kansas City Royals. José Ramrez was in sensational form, smashing a two-run homer in the opening frame and adding a solo shot in the fourth, propelling Cleveland to an impressive 8-3 win against the Royals in their last outing.
Taking the mound for the Guardians in the opening game against the Chicago White Sox will be rookie right-handed pitcher Tanner Bibee. Bibee has displayed great promise in his 16 significant league career starts, amassing a 6-2 record this season, supported by an impressive 3.04 ERA and a strong 1.19 WHIP. He has been a dominant presence on the mound, striking out 85 batters while conceding 70 hits, 29 bases on balls, and seven home runs across 83.0 innings pitched in the current season.
The Guardians found success in four of Bibee’s last five starts, during which he allowed only four earned runs in over 29 innings of work. Cleveland’s recent games have often seen high-scoring affairs, with the totals going OVER in seven of their last ten contests. The Guardians have performed well recently, winning six of their last nine matches. However, they have struggled slightly when facing the Chicago White Sox, holding a 2-4 straight-up record in their last six encounters. Additionally, the totals have gone OVER in six of the Guardians’ last seven road games.
Cleveland Guardians vs Chicago White Sox 7/27/2023 Expert Picks, Tips and Odds
On the other side, the Chicago White Sox will be eager to end their five-game losing streak as they take the field home for the first game of the four-game series against the Cleveland Guardians on Thursday night. With their overall record falling to 41-62, the White Sox have faced considerable challenges and currently sit in fourth place in the AL Central, trailing the Guardians by 10.5 games.
Throughout the season, the White Sox have shown potential in their offensive capabilities, scoring 433 runs, but their defensive struggles have led to conceding 516 runs, resulting in a challenging run differential of -83. Lately, they have encountered difficulties, losing eight of their last 11 matches, including their most recent two home games. In their last outing, Relief Pitcher Joe Kelly (1-5, 4.97 ERA) suffered a loss, allowing one earned run and two free walks with only one strikeout in a 7-10 defeat against the Cubs.
To spark a turnaround, the White Sox will rely on twenty-seven-year-old right-hander Dylan Cease, who will take the mound in the series-opening game. Cease holds a 4-3 record this season, boasting an ERA of 4.04 and a commendable WHIP of 1.31. Throughout the season, he has struck out an impressive 138 batters while conceding 102 hits, 47 bases on balls, and 12 home runs across 113.2 innings pitched.
Cease has shown promise in his recent outings, striking out 23 batters across 17.0 innings pitched in his last three appearances on the mound. During this period, the White Sox secured victories in two of those matches.
In recent trends, the totals have gone OVER in four of the Chicago White Sox’s last five games, but they have encountered a challenging phase, losing their last five games. Against Cleveland, the totals have gone UNDER in four of their last five contests, and the White Sox have struggled at home, holding a 1-7 straight-up record in their last eight home matches. When facing the Cleveland Guardians at home, they have won two out of their last six outings.
Both teams have their strengths and weaknesses, and it promises to be an exciting series. The Cleveland Guardians arrive confidently, aiming to extend their series-winning streak, while the Chicago White Sox are eager to break their losing streak with a strong showing at home. The battle on the mound between Tanner Bibee and Dylan Cease will undoubtedly add to the intrigue. As the series gets underway, baseball fans can expect an intense matchup, and it remains to be seen who will emerge victorious in this AL Central Division rivalry.
Cleveland Guardians vs. Chicago White Sox. The MLB Pick for this contest is the Chicago White Sox at -115. The Guardians are the better team on paper, but the White Sox will be playing on their home field. After finishing 102 games played, Cleveland ranked 24th in OPS and 24th in runs scored, while the Chicago White Sox ranked 27th in OPS, but 23rd in runs scored for the season. Take the home team in this one on Thursday. The prediction: The Chicago White Sox will win 4-2.
MLB Starting Time: 8:10 PM ET
Location: Guaranteed Rate Field in Chicago, Illinois
Date: Thursday, July 27, 2023
TV: ESPN+
MLB Odds/Point Spread: Chicago White Sox -115
MLB Totals: 8.5
