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Date: Wednesday, July 25, 2024
Time: 8:05 p.m. ET
Arena: Globe Life Field, Arlington, TX
Looking for a thrilling game to spice up your Wednesday evening? We’ve got you covered. The Chicago White Sox and the Texas Rangers are set to clash at Globe Life Field, and it promises to be an intense showdown. With the Rangers riding
igh and the White Sox struggling to find their form, this game is sure to be full of drama and excitement. Let’s see what this game could bring, including the pick.
Texas Rangers: Heating Up
The Texas Rangers have been on fire lately, winning three in a row and 10 of their past 14 games. This impressive run has kept them in the hunt for the top spot in the American League West. After a slow start to the season, the reigning World Series champions seem to have found their stride.
Jon Gray was outstanding in their last game, allowing just one run on four hits and retiring the final 15 batters he faced over 7 2/3 innings. The Rangers edged out a 3-2 victory, showing off their resilience and determination. As Gray mentioned to Bally Sports Southwest, the team’s confidence is growing, and they’re optimistic about their prospects moving forward.
Josh Smith also broke out of his post-All-Star break slump, contributing a key RBI double and a run scored on a double-steal. With solid performances from Marcus Semien and Adolis Garcia, who both added crucial hits, the Rangers’ lineup is looking sharp and ready to take on any challenge.
Chicago White Sox: Struggling to Find Their Footing
On the flip side, the Chicago White Sox are having a tough time. They’ve lost nine consecutive games and 15 of their last 18. The team is in a slump, and the looming trade deadline only adds to the uncertainty. Pitcher Garrett Crochet, a potential trade candidate, expressed the team’s focus on fighting together despite the external noise.
One bright spot for the White Sox was Andrew Benintendi’s solo homer in the ninth inning of their last game, snapping his 0-for-16 streak since the All-Star break. Despite their struggles, individual players are showing moments of brilliance, hinting at the potential for a turnaround.
Starting Pitchers: A Tale of Two Seasons
Tonight’s game features an intriguing pitching matchup. For the Rangers, Nathan Eovaldi takes the mound. Eovaldi has had a solid season overall, boasting a 6-4 record with a 3.36 ERA. However, he struggled in his last outing, giving up six runs on eight hits, including three home runs, in five innings against the Baltimore Orioles. Despite this setback, Eovaldi has been reliable at home, with a 5-0 record and a 1.99 ERA in his first 10 home starts this season. His career stats against the White Sox (2-2 with a 5.67 ERA in six appearances) suggest he can bounce back and deliver a strong performance.
Chris Flexen will be pitching for the White Sox. Flexen’s season has been rough, with a 2-9 record and a 5.22 ERA. His last start was particularly tough, allowing seven runs on four hits with five walks in just 4 2/3 innings against the Kansas City Royals. However, Flexen has a surprisingly good track record against the Rangers, going 6-0 with a 3.14 ERA in 12 career appearances. This historical success could give him the confidence boost he needs to perform well tonight.
Team Batting Averages
When it comes to team batting, the Rangers have the edge with a higher average of .261, placing them among the league’s top hitters. Their offensive depth means they can capitalize on any pitching mistakes. The White Sox, on the other hand, have a batting average of .241, reflecting their struggles at the plate.
Why Under 8 Total Runs is a Smart Pick
Top Prediction Models:
- FiveThirtyEight’s Elo Ratings:
- Total Runs Prediction: 6.8
- OddsTrader AI Model:
- Total Runs Prediction: 6.2
- FanGraphs’ Depth Charts:
- Total Runs Prediction: 7.6
- Baseball-Reference’s Simulations:
- Total Runs Prediction: 8.0
- TeamRankings’ Predictions:
- Total Runs Prediction: 7.9
Given the data, betting on under 8 total runs seems like a smart move. Here’s why:
- Pitching Matchup: Eovaldi, despite a recent hiccup, has been solid at home. Flexen, though struggling this season, has historically pitched well against the Rangers. This points to a potentially low-scoring game.
- Team Trends: The Rangers have been winning but not necessarily in high-scoring blowouts. Their recent games have shown they can secure wins with solid defense and timely hitting rather than relying solely on high run totals.
- White Sox Slump: The White Sox’s recent offensive struggles, coupled with their lower team batting average, suggest they might not contribute significantly to the run total.
- Weather and Conditions: While specific weather conditions can change, Globe Life Field’s dimensions and typical conditions favor pitchers, which could further suppress scoring.
Final Thoughts
As we gear up for tonight’s game, all signs point towards a competitive yet low-scoring matchup. The Rangers are riding a wave of momentum, while the White Sox are desperately seeking to turn their season around. With Eovaldi and Flexen on the mound, both teams have the potential to keep the score tight.
In conclusion, betting on under 8 total runs is a well-founded choice. The combination of solid pitching, team trends, and current form suggests a game where runs will be at a premium. So, sit back, enjoy the action, and let’s see how this exciting matchup unfolds!
PICK: under 8 total runs LOSE
