Hot-hitting Andrew Benintendi will be looking to extend his 10-game hitting streak as the Chicago White Sox (20-30) face off against the Cleveland Guardians (21-27) at Progressive Field on Wednesday with the three-game series in the balance.
The White Sox evened up the series 1-1 after winning 4-2 on Tuesday, their third head-to-head victory in five games this season. Dylan Cease went six innings to get the win, allowing two runs on five hits, and Kendall Graveman earned his fourth save with a scoreless ninth. Yasmani Grandal was 1 for 3 with a home run and two RBIs in the win. Will Brennan went 1 for 3 with a solo home run for the Guardians.
ON THE MOUND
Michael Kopech (2-4, 4.83 ERA) is slated to start for Chicago. The righty threw eight scoreless innings in his last start, a 2-0 road win over the Royals on Friday. He earned the win, yielding one hit while striking out 10.Kopech is making his first appearance against the Guardians this season.
Kopech made one start against the Guardians in 2022, a 12-9 home loss on May 9. He surrendered one run on two hits over six innings, striking out seven and walking two.
For Cleveland, RHP Cal Quantrill (2-2, 4.06 ERA) gets the start. It’s his first appearance of the season against the White Sox. Quantrill made three appearances against the White Sox in 2022, all as the starter, striking out 10 and walking two over 17.1 innings (2-1, 5.19).
In his last start on Friday, Quantrill took a no-decision on the road against the Mets. He threw 5.2 innings and gave up three runs on six hits, striking out six, in the 10-9 defeat.
AT THE PLATE
Over the last five games, Chicago has averaged 3.2 runs a game, a small drop compared to their season average of 4.1. Against righties like Quantrill this season, the Sox have a .674 OPS. Grandal is the team’s strongest hitter against right-handers with a .803 OPS in 105 at-bats.
Cleveland is averaging 3.8 runs per game in the last five, up slightly from 3.5 for the season. The Guardians have a .647 OPS against right-handers in 2023, fourth lowest in MLB. With a .930 OPS over 113 at-bats, Jose Ramirez has been their best hitter against right-handers.
HOME AND AWAY
Chicago is 8-17 in away games in 2023, scoring 4.0 runs per game while allowing 5.1 runs. Cleveland has gone 10-13 in front of their home fans this season, averaging 2.9 runs per game while surrendering 3.9.
The AL Central rivals have split their last 10 games at Progressive Field, though Chicago has the scoring advantage with an average final margin of 3.3-3.1.
STANDINGS UPDATE
The White Sox are fourth in the AL Central, five games behind the division-leading Twins. The Guardians are third in the AL Central, three games behind the Twins.
SportsTips’ MLB Pick:
Cleveland Guardians (-135)
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*Odds correct at time of publication, courtesy of BetMGM.
