Carlos Correa will be looking to extend his 15-game on-base streak as the Minnesota Twins (-180) host the Chicago White Sox (+150) at Target Field on Thursday with the home team eyeing a sweep of the three-game series. The early total has been set at 7.5 runs (O: -120 | U: +100). The Twins (76-79) lead the series 2-0 after winning 8-4 on Wednesday, their ninth head-to-head victory in 15 games this season. Reliever Caleb Thielbar was credited with the win after throwing 1.1 scoreless innings. Jake Cave went 3 for 3 with two doubles, two runs, and one RBI in the win. Matt Wallner added a double and three RBIs. Jose Abreu was 2 for 3 with a double and one RBI for the White Sox (76-79).
ON THE MOUND
Lucas Giolito (10-9, 5.05 ERA) is slated to take the mound for Chicago. The RHP allowed three runs over six innings in his last start, a 5-3 home defeat against the Tigers on Friday. He yielded six hits while striking out nine and walking one in the no-decision. Over two previous starts against the Twins this season, Giolito has allowed only three earned runs over nine innings (0-1, 3.00). He has struck out 14 and walked five. Left-hander Louie Varland (0-2, 5.06 ERA) is on the mound for Minnesota. It’s his first appearance of the season against the White Sox. In his last start on Friday, Varland took the loss at home against the Angels. He threw 5.2 innings and gave up three runs on seven hits, striking out three and walking one in the 4-2 defeat.
AT THE PLATE
Over the last five games, Chicago has averaged only 2.0 runs a game, down from their season average of 4.3, while slashing worse across the board (.189/.237/.289). Against lefties like Varland this season, the Sox have a .776 OPS, fourth highest in the league. AJ Pollock is the team’s best hitter against left-handers with a .948 OPS in 121 at-bats. Minnesota is averaging 5.0 runs per game in the last five, up slightly from 4.3 for the season. The Twins have a .726 OPS against righties in 2022. With a .816 OPS over 423 at-bats, Luis Arraez has been their best hitter against right-handers.
HOME AND AWAY
Chicago is 41-36 on the road in 2022, scoring 4.5 runs per game while allowing 3.8 runs. Minnesota has gone 46-34 at home this season, averaging 4.3 runs per game while surrendering 3.9. In the last 10 games between the AL Central rivals at Target Field, Minnesota is 7-3 despite an average scoreline favoring Chicago (4.3-4.0).
STANDINGS UPDATE
The White Sox are second in the AL Central, 11 games behind the division-leading Guardians. They are sixth in the Wild Card race, eight games out of third. The Twins are second in the AL Central, 11 games behind the Guardians. They are fifth in the Wild Card race, eight games out of a postseason position.
SportsTips’ MLB Pick:
Chicago White Sox (-120)
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*Odds correct at time of publication, courtesy of BetMGM.
