Erik Johnson (0-0, 0.00 ERA) and the Chicago White Sox (19-9) meet Henry Owens (0-0, 4.82 ERA) and the Boston Red Sox (16-11) in the last of a three-game series at U.S. Cellular Field. The Red Sox won the last game 5-2, and the series is currently tied 1-1. The game starts at 8:10 p.m. ET on Thursday, May. 5 and will air on CSCh and NESN.
This is the first start of the season for Johnson. He pitched 35.0 innings last season, finishing 3-1 with a 3.34 ERA, 1.40 WHIP, and 30 strikeoutsThe Red Sox were victorious over the Yankees 4-2 the last time Owens pitched. He went 6.0 innings, giving up two runs, striking out three and walking three. David Ortiz (.311, 14 Rs, 6 HRs, 22 RBIs, 1 SB) has been hitting the ball well for the Red Sox, going 2 for 5 yesterday with one run, one home run, and three RBIs.
The odds are even for this game and the Over/Under (O/U) is presently unavailable. Chicago has averaged 0.0 runs per game over the last 10 games, higher than its season average of 0.0. They have been very patient at the plate during home games, ranking fifth in the AL with an average of 4.2 walks per game. Chicago’s pitching staff has put it all together in the past 10 games. Its average runs allowed per game dropped to 0.0 during that span, compared to its 0.0 season average. The White Sox don’t allow many hitters to get on base, ranking third in the league with a 1.133 WHIP. An area where the White Sox are particularly strong at home is striking batters out, where they average 6.6 K’s per home game.
Boston has been playing better lately, averaging 0.0 runs per game, more than their season average of 0.0. Boston is one of the top hitting teams in the league with 100 extra base hits. The Red Sox have racked up 22 steals on the year, making them the most threatening base-running team in the league. Boston’s pitching staff has allowed an average of 0.0 runs per game during the last 10 games, lower than their season average of 0.0.
Predictions: SU Winner – BOS
Notes
After a weak showing last week where they got in three hits, the White Sox need to step it up. The Red Sox have a record of 2-0 when opponents get three hits or less.
When they are outhit, the Red Sox are 1-7. The White Sox have a 2-9 record when opponents outhit them.
Boston ranks near the bottom of the league at 23rd when it comes to home runs, hitting 23 this season. Chicago ranks in the bottom half with 26.
Ranking 22nd, Chicago is near the bottom of the league in hits, notching 7.86 per game. Boston ranks in the top five at second with 9.85.
Ranking 21st, Chicago is near the bottom of the league for its on-base plus slugging percentage (.693). Boston ranks in the top 10 at seventh with an OPS of .788.
The Red Sox are 10-8 when they allow at least one home run. The White Sox perform similarly when they allow one or more homers with a 7-6 record.
