The White Sox delivered a 19-2 spanking to the Texas Rangers in Tuesday’s opener between the rivals, cashing as 131 home favorites. Chicago’s Kevin Youkilis poked his first homer since recently joining the White Sox, finishing with a team-high four RBIs.
Joe Freda’s 2012 MLB Record: 31-33-1 (-2.86 ROI)
Wednesday’s rematch has two right-handed starters squaring off, with Texas’ Scott Feldman (2-6, 6.13 ERA) facing Chicago’s Dylan Axelrod (0-1, 4.50 ERA). Sports booksopened the battle at a pick’em, while early betting action made Feldman a 115 road favorite. MLB oddsmakers first listed a ‘total’ of 10, with an initial lean of minus 120 added to the OVER.
Feldman goes five for winFeldman picked up his second straight victory in Thursday’s 7-6 triumph for Texas as a 181 home favorite against the Oakland Athletics. The 29-year-old allowed four runs over five innings, giving up three homers as part of nine hits.
Rangers outfielders Josh Hamilton and David Murphy drove in two runs each, combining to finish 4-for-6. Texas’ Ian Kinsler had the team’s hottest bat with a 4-for-5 night from the leadoff spot, including his 25th double of the year.
The contest’s combined 13 runs leaped above the ‘total’ of 11, lifting the OVER to 6-1 in Feldman’s last seven starts.
Texas Rangers closer Joe Nathan recorded his 18th save, tossing one strikeout in the final frame.
Axelrod stingy in New YorkAxelrod picked up a no-decision in Thursday’s 4-3 victory for Chicago as a 161 road dog against the New York Yankees. The second-year hurler gave up two runs over seven innings, while allowing six hits and three walks.
Chicago’s Dayan Viciedo rallied his club from a 3-1 deficit, cracking a three-run homer in the ninth inning. White Sox leadoff man Alejandro De Aza went 4-for-5, driving in the team’s sole other run.
The battle dipped below the ‘total’ of 10, bringing the UNDER to 2-1 in Axelrod’s trio of starts.
Chicago’s Hector Santiago logged his pitching staff’s win, holding New York to one run in the eighth frame, while closer Addison Reed recorded his 11th save.
Back the White Sox at homeWednesday’s first pitch is scheduled for 7:10 p.m. (ET). The weather forecast in Chicago calls for a 95-degree night, with calm winds and a 20 percent chance of thunderstorms.
I am adding the White Sox and Axelrod to my MLB picks for the evening’s card, looking for Chicago to continue its slugging from Tuesday’s opener.
Feldman has been improving since moving to a starting role, but steps up in class here compared to other recent road outings. The Hawaii native has allowed a sizable 1.57 WHIP away from home, while shelled for a combined 13 runs over his two road starts (6 IP) against American League foes.
Chicago has hit a respectable .265 BA against right-handed pitching at home, while cashing at 6-2 in its last eight matchups against righty starters. White Sox slugger Paul Konerko has poked two homers as part of a 6-for-17 career mark against Feldman, while mates Alex Rios and Alexei Ramirez have three long balls in 36 lifetime at-bat’s.
Axelrod has held visitors to a 1.15 WHIP at US Cellular Field over his stretch of three home outings as both a starter and reliever. The 26-year-old returns to Chicago with some momentum after being well tested in a career-high 115 pitches against the Yankees.
Chicago’s victory in Tuesday’s opener moved Robin Ventura’s club to a 4-0 mark in their last four home dates against foes with winning road records, while Texas dropped to 2-5 in its last seven contests against American League Central squads. Look for the White Sox to stay hot here, cashing tickets at a short price.