The Detroit Tigers (+100) will have their work cut out for them against Dylan Cease at Guaranteed Rate Field on Sunday when the impressive right-hander takes the mound for the Chicago White Sox (-120) with the visitors looking for a sweep of the three-game series. The early total was set at 7.5 with the over a -115 favorite. The Tigers (59-92) lead the series 2-0 after winning 7-2 on Saturday, their sixth head-to-head victory in 18 games this season. Starter Drew Hutchison went five innings to get the win, giving up two runs on four hits. Javier Baez was 3 for 5 with a home run, two runs, and three RBIs in the win. Harold Castro also went 3 for 5 with a home run and three RBIs. Eloy Jimenez’s on-base streak is now at 18 as he went 1 for 4 with a solo home run for the White Sox (76-76).
ON THE MOUND
Tyler Alexander (4-10, 4.91 ERA) is set to take the mound for Detroit. The left-hander threw seven scoreless innings in his last start, an 11-0 home win over the Orioles on Monday. He was credited with the win, scattering two hits while striking out four and walking two. Alexander has made one previous start against the White Sox this season, a 5-3 road loss on August 14. He surrendered three runs on six hits over five innings, striking out two and walking three. For Chicago, RHP Cease (14-7, 2.13 ERA) takes the mound. He has made three appearances against the Tigers this season, all starts, giving up three runs (2 ER) over 16 innings (2-1, 1.13) with 24 strikeouts and seven walks.In his last start on Tuesday, Cease took a no-decision at home against the Guardians. He threw six innings and gave up one run on four hits, striking out three and walking three in the 10-7 defeat. The RHP ranks second in the AL in ERA and strikeouts (217), and is tied for fourth in wins.
AT THE PLATE
Over the last five games, Detroit has averaged 5.4 runs a game, up from their season average of 3.4, while slashing better across the board (.282/.310/.441). Against righties like Cease this season, the Tigers have a .601 OPS, lowest in the league. Baez is the team’s strongest hitter against right-handers with a .624 OPS in 391 at-bats. Chicago is averaging only 3.2 runs per game in the last five, down from 4.3 for the season, with their slash line falling across the board (.209/.239/.350). The Sox have a .785 OPS against southpaws in 2022, third highest in MLB. With a .963 OPS over 115 at-bats, AJ Pollock has been their best hitter against left-handers.
HOME AND AWAY
Detroit is 29-47 away from home in 2022, scoring 3.3 runs per game while allowing 4.4 runs. Chicago has lost six in a row at their home ballpark. The Sox are 35-42 at home this season, averaging 4.1 runs per game while surrendering 5.2. The AL Central rivals have split their last 10 meetings head-to-head at Guaranteed Rate Field, though Chicago has the scoring advantage with an average final margin of 3.8-3.5.
STANDINGS UPDATE
The Tigers are fifth in the AL Central, 25 games behind the division-leading Guardians. The White Sox are second in the AL Central, nine games behind the Guardians. They are fifth in the Wild Card race, seven games out of a postseason position.
SportsTips’ MLB Pick:
Chicago White Sox (-250)
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*Odds correct at time of publication, courtesy of BetMGM.
