The Rangers and White Sox wrap up their two game set tonight with an 8:10pm ET clash at U.S. Cellular Field in the Windy City. Texas will attempt to retain its AL West lead with lefty Matt Harrison on the hill while the White Sox look to build on their recent uptick with John Danks toeing the rubber. MLB Odds have Chicago listed as a -150 moneyline favorite; the game total is set at nine with the Under drawing -125 odds.
Texas, which will make stops in Kansas City and Philadelphia after today's contest, reassumed the top spot in the American
League West last night with its 4-0 win over the White Sox. The triumph represented the Rangers fourth victory in their last five games and improved their record to 22-19 overall.
Starter Colby Lewis was sensational in the win, allowing just five hits while striking out seven in the complete game shutout. Skipper Ron Washington can only hope for the same this evening from Matt Harrison, who after a solid start to the year has fallen on hard times. Harrison, who owns a 3-4 record and 4.35 ERA, has given up 18 hits and 13 earned runs in his last 10.2 innings of work.
Harrison did garner his fifth quality start of the year in his last outing, though, holding the Yankees to four hits and two earned runs over six innings in a 1-4 Texas' loss.
Last night's game represented the White Sox third loss in their last nine games, a positive trend that has brought the team within eight games of the break even point (17-25). Chicago, obviously, still has much work to do in order to improve its division standing, though, as it currently sits a full 10 games back of the first place Indians.
This evening's starter, John Danks, has yet to earn a win in eight appearances this season, but even worse, the White Sox are 0-8 when he has taken the hill. The left handed Danks has been off all year, posting a 4.50 ERA and 1.44 WHIP, but Chicago has supported him with a meager 2.6 runs per game.
MLB Predictions Betting Trend: The White Sox are 3-7 in their last 10 games as a home favorite with a total between 8.5 and 9 (Under 7-2-1).
Rangers vs White Sox Odds 2011 MLB Predictions:
Texas Rangers +1.5 (-160), Over 9 (+105), +130 (Moneyline)
Chicago White Sox -1.5 (+140), Under 9 (-125), -150 (Moneyline)
