Two teams on life support in the AL Central standings meet on Friday night when the White Sox play host to the Indians.
Both Chicago and Cleveland are in tough to catch the Tigers in the race for first place in the AL Central division with just a few weeks left to play in baseball's regular-season schedule.
View Cleveland vs Chi White Sox Odds and Stats.
Betting Line:
The visitors opened as +-165 moneyline underdogs in this one at most online sportsbooks tracked at Odds Shark. The total opened at 8.5 for those preferring over under wagers.
Power Rankings:
According to new MLB Power Rankings here, it's the American League No. 6-ranked White Sox and the American League No. 11-rated Indians in this matchup.
How They Match Up:
Scoring stats point to some edges in this matchup. The game features Chicago's American League No. 11-ranked scoring average of 4.1 runs per game, against a Indians offense rated No. 9 and scoring 4.2 runs per game in the league. The White Sox have averaged 8.7 hits per game to date this season, more than the Indians hitters have managed (8.4 per nine innings).
Defensively, Cleveland features the American League's No. 10-rated defense on the road, allowing 4.5 runs per game. Chicago, meanwhile, comes in at No. 10 in the American League at home, scoring 4 runs per game.
In their last action, Cleveland was an 8-1 loser on the road against the White Sox. Bettors on Chicago at -158 on the moneyline collected their winnings from that game, while the total score (9) sent OVER bettors home happy as well. Cleveland suffered an 8-1 loss against Chicago on Thursday, as David Huff wasn't able to lead his team to victory at U.S. Cellular Field.
Cleveland Indians Trends:
When playing on Friday are 7-3
Before playing Chi White Sox are 3-7
After playing Chi White Sox are 6-4
After a loss are 5-5
Chicago White Sox Trends:
When playing on Friday are 7-3
Before playing Cleveland are 7-3
After playing Cleveland are 4-6
After a win are 7-3
A few Indians at White Sox trends to consider:
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Cleveland's last 6 games on the road
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Cleveland's last 5 games
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Cleveland's last 6 games when playing Chi White Sox
Cleveland is 2-5 SU in its last 7 games on the road
Chi White Sox are 5-1 SU in their last 6 games at home
Chi White Sox are 4-1 SU in their last 5 games
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Chi White Sox's last 5 games at home
Chi White Sox are 14-4 SU in their last 18 games when playing Cleveland
Next up:
Cleveland at Chi White Sox, Saturday, September 10
