ODDS ANALYSIS
After losing five straight, including a four-game set at Minnesota over the weekend, rumors began to swirl regarding White Sox manager Robin Ventura and his status. With expectations high for the Sox this season an underachieving start is unacceptable. A series with the AL Central leading Tigers could tell us a lot about the direction the Sox are headed and a win in the opener was a good start.
The Tigers lost four of seven games following a 5-2 defeat Tuesday in the opener and are down 1.38 units in that span. For the season the Tigers have been a good bet in the black 5.82 units on the runline and 4.89 units on the moneyline. Detroit’s pitching has faltered while the offense stumbled leading to its tough stretch dropping the Tigers below the Royals in the division standings. The Tigers have played below the total in three of their last four games and the over is 14-13 through 27 games.
Struggling through a five-game road losing streak that also saw two games postponed due to the riots in Baltimore, the Sox returned home Tuesday knocking off division-leading Detroit in the first of a three-game set. The Sox were down 5.62 units on the moneyline during their skid and are in the red 5.81 units for the season. Last in the AL in runs scored leaves the Sox as a poor play on the runline with an 8-15 record down 12.03 units through 23 games.
PITCHING MATCHUP
Kyle Lobstein (2-2, 3.91 ERA) was dealt his second loss of the season on Friday allowing four runs on 10 hits over 7.1 innings against the Royals. He recovered from a three-run first inning to allow one run on six hits over his final 6.1 innings of work.
In his only appearance against Chicago Lobstein allowed two runs on a Tyler Flowers homer on five hits in seven innings with five strikeouts in a 2-0 home loss on Sept. 22, 2014.
Jose Quintana (1-2, 5.28 ERA) gave up one run over seven innings in tough-luck loss to the Twins on Friday with the only run of the game scoring on his wild pitch. He’s allowed three earned runs over 14 innings in his last two starts with a no-decision and loss to show for it.
Quintana allowed 10 hits and nine runs over four innings in a loss to the Tigers in his only start against them this season on Apr. 19 and is 4-2 with a 4.37 ERA in 55.2 career innings.
QUOTE TO NOTE
“Obviously we’re not going to hide behind anything. That was a terrible road trip for us and we weren’t happy with the way it went. But it wasn’t the most normal road trip in the world with what happened in Baltimore and everything. So we just needed to regroup and understand that we have a great team here and we just need to go out and do what we do.” – Sox pitcher Jeff Samardzija on ending their losing streak Monday
LIVE BETTING or SITUATIONAL BETTING
As if the Tigers need more help scoring runs the Sox defense may just help them out. Chicago committed three errors Tuesday and, although none of the errors led directly to runs, they could be costly against a team that can hit like the Tigers. The Sox have committed 20 miscues on the season that have led to 11 unearned runs and for a team with a fragile pitching staff that can’t happen. Sox starter Jose Quintana hasn’t needed help from his defense to give up runs – he can do that all by himself. Quintana’s allowed 35 hits and seven walks in his 29 innings with a 5.29 ERA and 1.45 WHIP.
PROP TALK
You have to talk about the most destructive offensive player in the game here. Tigers’ first baseman Miguel Cabrera has been doing it for so long fans take for granted his ability to strike the baseball and he’s off to another blazing start leading Detroit’s offense. Cabrera, who’s hitting .351 with six homers and 19 RBIs through 26 games, has hit Jose Quintana well in his career with eight hits in 23 at-bats including a home run. Expect Miggy to help the Tigers break out of a little slump on the offensive side with a few base knocks and RBIs.
ANALYSIS AND PREDICTION
The Tigers have struggled recently as their starting pitching has faltered. They turn to youngster Kyle Lobstein Wednesday in the series finale. The Tigers vaunted offense, which was so destructive earlier in the year, has cooled a bit also with runs becoming more precious. The loss of Jose Iglesias, who hurt his groin Sunday, takes a big stick out of the lineup. Iglesias is batting .354 and has ignited many innings with his aggressive at-bats. He’s expected back and the Tigers are too good up and down the order to not score more than they have.
It’s hard to pinpoint one area where the Sox have failed this season; mainly because it’s been everywhere. The offense has been stagnant and the team went nine games without hitting a home run. Outside of Jose Abreu the entire lineup has struggled and when everyone slumps at the same time you get this version of the White Sox. They’ll break out eventually, but it won’t be Wednesday against Kyle Lobstein.
Detroit 5, Chicago 2
The MLB odds for this game will be available first at BookMaker Sportsbook. BookMaker is going to have multiple betting options available for this nationally-televised baseball matchup. Live wagering during commercials offers an adjusted moneyline, individual inning run totals and next hitter results. Log in and start gambling during the game now!
Load your betting bankroll from your smartphone with BookMaker’s new cashier feature! Depositing and withdrawing funds from your account has never been easier. BookMaker's live betting platform means you always have access to odds and lines to every sporting event. Click here and start wagering today! First pitch for the game between the Detroit Tigers and Chicago White Sox is scheduled for Thursday, May 7, 2015, at 2:10 p.m. ET at U.S. Cellular Field. The game will be televised live on WGN and FSN Detroit.
