Yordan Alvarez will be looking to extend his 32-game on-base streak as the Houston Astros (-185) face off against the Chicago White Sox (+155) at Guaranteed Rate Field on Saturday. The early total has been set at 9 with the under a -120 favorite.
The Astros (20-18) took Friday’s series opener 5-1, their third head-to-head victory in five games this season. J.P. France went 6.2 innings for the win, giving up one run on three hits.
Corey Julks was 2 for 3 with one run in the win. Luis Robert Jr. went 2 for 3 with a solo home run for the White Sox (13-27).
ON THE MOUND
Brandon Bielak (0-1, 4.15 ERA) is slated for the start for Houston. The right-hander allowed three runs (two earned) over 4.2 innings in his last start, a 3-1 road defeat against the Mariners on Sunday. He was charged with the loss, giving up 10 hits and walking two.
Bielak is making his first appearance against the White Sox this season. Bielak made one appearance against the White Sox in 2022, a 7-0 home loss on June 18. He allowed three hits over three scoreless innings, striking out four and walking one.
For Chicago, right-hander Dylan Cease (2-2, 5.58 ERA) will take the mound. He has made one prior start against the Astros this season, giving up one run over 6.1 innings in a 3-2 road win on March 30. He gave up two hits while striking out 10 in the no-decision.
In his last start on Monday, Cease took the loss on the road against the Royals. He threw five innings and gave up seven runs on nine hits, striking out six and walking one in the 12-5 defeat.
AT THE PLATE
Over the last five games, Houston has averaged 3.6 runs a game, a small drop compared to their season average of 4.4. Against righties like Cease this season, the ‘Stros have a .657 OPS, fifth lowest in the league. Alvarez is the team’s most potent producer against right-handers with a .951 OPS in 75 at-bats.
Chicago is averaging only 2.8 runs per game in the last five, down from 4.2 for the season, with their slash line slipping across the board (.191/.243/.309).
The Sox have a .662 OPS against right-handers in 2023. With a .808 OPS over 92 at-bats, Yasmani Grandal has been their best hitter against right-handers.
HOME AND AWAY
Houston is on a three-game winning streak on the road, bringing their record to 12-7 in 2023. The ‘Stros have scored 4.6 runs per game away from home, while allowing 3.4 runs.
Chicago has gone 6-11 in front of their home fans this season, averaging 4.4 runs per game while surrendering 7.0. The teams have split their last 10 meetings at Guaranteed Rate Field, though Houston has the scoring advantage with an average final margin of 5.8-4.4.
STANDINGS UPDATE
The Astros are third in the AL West, three games behind the division-leading Rangers. The White Sox are fourth in the AL Central, eight games behind the Twins.
SportsTips’ MLB Pick:
Chicago White Sox (-130)
Want up to a $1K risk free bet for this pick?
Claim with 
today!
If you need more news, information and predictions, head over to our MLB hub page for all your baseball needs!
*Odds correct at time of publication, courtesy of BetMGM.
