The Windy City Series comes to a conclusion this evening when the ChiSox host the Cubs looking to split their four-game set with a win. Sportsbooks, though, are not so confident they can pull that off, pegging the South Siders the enormous underdogs for tonight’s contest at Guaranteed Rate Field.
Starting for the crosstown rivals it will be Jon Lester (7-6, 3.95 ERA) for the Cubs and Mike Pelfrey (3-7, 4.46 ERA) for the Pale Hose. The 33-year-old Lester has calmed down since his implosion against the Pirates, allowing just three earned runs in his last 15 innings of work and he certainly gives the defending champs the edge on Thursday.
At 39-59, the Sox haven’t been winning many games this year but they’ve been winning even less when Pelfrey has taken the hill. The 12-year vet hasn’t earned a win since mid-June and has an ERA over six in the month of July.
The Cubs are clearly the better team in this matchup but their chalky line makes them tough to bet. They have, however, cashed the runline in five of their last six wins if you’re looking for some value.
Sportsbook Odds & Computer Pick
Baseball betting oddsmakers, including Sportsbook, opened the Chicago White Sox as 199 moneyline underdogs in this matchup. OVER/UNDER total bettors saw the number open at 10 at shops such as Sportsbook.
Prediction-scoring formulas run on this game pick a potential 6.6-2.6 result in favor of the Cubs. View the computer score prediction and who will win the pick on the moneyline for all upcoming MLB matchups here.
Chicago Cubs vs Chicago White Sox Matchup
Team Betting Records & Power Rankings
Chicago (39-59) will face the 53-47 Cubs in this tilt. Stay Informed: follow us on Twitter for odds specials, betting line moves and Chicago vs Chicago injuries news.
The OddsShark MLB Power Rankings have the Chicago White Sox at No. 29 and the Chicago Cubs at No. 16 heading into this contest.
Statistical Matchup
Rating these teams in several key categories is important for handicappers and Chicago has baseball's No. 22-rated offensive output, at 8.74 hits per game. The Chicago Cubs average 8.32 hits per game, good for No. 25 on the list.
Chicago owns the No. 20 defense, allowing 4.38 men per game to cross the plate. That contrasts with Chicago's No. 9-rated defense.
Recent Outings Betting Recap
The Cubs grabbed a win last time out, defeating James Shields and the White Sox 8-3 on Wednesday at Guaranteed Rate Field.
Next Betting Matchups
Chicago at Milwaukee, Friday, July 28
Chicago home to Cleveland, Friday, July 28