The Chicago White Sox (37-50) host the Toronto Blue Jays (46-40) at Guaranteed Rate Field on Thursday in a doubleheader with the visitors in position for a sweep of the four-game series.
The Blue Jays lead the series 1-0 after winning 4-3 on Tuesday, their fifth straight head-to-head victory, including all four games this season. Nate Pearson got the win with one scoreless inning out of the bullpen, and Jordan Romano struck out the side in the ninth for his 25th save.
Vladimir Guerrero Jr. was 2 for 4 with a home run, two runs, and two RBIs in the win. Tim Anderson went 2 for 4 with a triple and one run for the White Sox.
ON THE MOUND
Yusei Kikuchi (7-3, 4.08 ERA) is in line to take the mound for Toronto in the first game of the doubleheader. The lefty allowed five runs over 4.1 innings in his last start, a 7-6 road defeat against the Red Sox on Saturday.
He was charged with the loss, yielding seven hits while striking out seven and walking two. Kikuchi has made one previous start against the White Sox this season, an 8-0 home victory on April 26. He allowed four hits over 5.2 scoreless innings, striking out eight and walking one.
AT THE PLATE
Over the last five games, Toronto has averaged only 3.2 runs a game, down from their season average of 4.5, while performing worse across the board (.181/.257/.335).
Chicago is averaging 6.0 runs per game in the last five, up from 4.2 for the season, with a better slash line (.271/.355/.412). The Sox have a .729 OPS against lefties in 2023. With a 1.151 OPS over 67 at-bats, Luis Robert Jr. has been their best hitter against left-handers.
HOME AND AWAY
Toronto is 23-22 away from home in 2023, scoring 4.6 runs per game while allowing 4.7 runs. Chicago has gone 20-21 at their home ballpark this season, averaging 4.1 runs per game while surrendering 4.9.
In the last 10 games between the teams at Guaranteed Rate Field, each club has won five, though Toronto has the scoring advantage with an average final margin of 5.1-4.4.
STANDINGS UPDATE
The Blue Jays are fourth in the AL East, nine games behind the division-leading Rays. The White Sox are fourth in the AL Central, seven games behind the Twins.
SportsTips’ MLB Pick:
Toronto Blue Jays (-120)
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*Odds correct at time of publication, courtesy of BetMGM.
