Houston Astros vs Chicago White Sox 5/13/2023 Tips, Analysis and Picks
The Houston Astros will face off against the Chicago White Sox in a Saturday evening match at Guaranteed Rate Field. So far in the 2023 season, the Astros have struggled to find their footing, hovering around a .500 win percentage. However, they managed to build some momentum by winning their last two games against the Angels on the road before heading to Chicago for this series. Currently, on a nine-game road trip, the Astros sit at a 3-3 record.
On the mound for the Astros on Saturday will be Brandon Bielak, who will be making his second start of the year. In his previous three appearances, Bielak has a 0-1 record with a 4.15 ERA. During his only start this season, he gave up 10 hits and two earned runs in just 4.1 innings of work. Across his two starts, he has allowed 12 hits in 8.1 innings while striking out six batters and walking two. Unfortunately, Bielak has been giving up hard hits at an alarming rate of over 53% in his two appearances this year, and his walk percentage is at a career-high 12%.
- Houston is 5-2 SU in their last 7 matches with the Chi White Sox.
- The Houston Astros are 10-4 SU in their last 14 games on the road.
- The Astros are 4-2 SU in their last 6 games on the road against the Chi White Sox.
Houston Astros vs Chicago White Sox 5/13/2023 Tips, Analysis and Picks
The struggling Chicago White Sox will face a tough test against the Houston Astros in a crucial weekend series. The White Sox entered the matchup with a disappointing 13-26 record and two consecutive losses. Despite high expectations for the season, the team has struggled to find consistency.
On Saturday, the White Sox will rely on right-hander Dylan Cease to help turn their fortunes around. Cease has made eight starts this season, posting a 2-2 record and a 3.59 ERA, with five strong outings. He boasts an impressive 10.9 K/9 ratio and has given up 41 hits over 40.1 innings pitched. However, he has struggled at home, going 1-1 with a 5.81 ERA in four starts. In those 20 innings pitched, he has allowed 21 hits and issued 16 walks due to control problems. While his hard-hit percentage has risen to 53% from a league-low 31.2% last year, his strikeout rate has dropped by 5% to 25%.
- The total went OVER in 4 of the Chi White Sox’s last 6 meetings with the Astros.
- The total hung OVER in 13 of the White Sox’s last 19 games at home.
- The Chicago White Sox are 2-4 SU in their last 6 games at home against Houston.
Houston Astros vs Chicago White Sox. The MLB pick for this game is the Chicago White Sox. In this matchup, the Chicago White Sox have an opportunity to take advantage of the situation. Although they have not been favored frequently this season due to their record, they hold an advantage against the Houston Astros. This is largely due to the fact that Dylan Cease will be pitching against Brandon Bielak, who has only made three appearances this year. While both pitchers have given up a significant number of hits this season, Cease has demonstrated the ability to make adjustments and bounce back. One issue he has faced is his inability to maintain control, leading to more solid hits and fewer strikeouts. However, against an Astros team that ranks 23rd in walks per game, Cease could have an opportunity to limit his mistakes. On the other hand, Bielak has struggled to keep the ball out of play this season. He has only struck out 14% of batters while walking 12% of them on average. This could provide an opportunity for the White Sox to excel at the plate and put runs on the board. In the end, the White Sox are predicted to win with a score of 5-4.
MLB Starting Time: 7:15 PM ET
Location: Guaranteed Rate Field, IL
Date: Saturday, May 13, 2023
TV: FOX
MLB Odds: Houston Astros +107
MLB Totals: 9
