Wednesday, September 23, 2020, Progressive Field, Cleveland, Ohio, 6:10 p.m. ET
White Sox at Indians Betting Preview: White Sox (-158), Indians (+134)
Chicago White Sox
The White Sox failed to protect a two-run lead in the 10th inning Tuesday at Cleveland, losing 5-3 on a walk-off, three-run home run from Jose Ramirez. First-place Chicago (34-21) has lost three in a row and four of five but maintains a half-game lead on the Minnesota Twins in the American League Central and a three-game edge on Cleveland.
Jose Abreu launched his team-leading 19th home run Tuesday, and he has a major-league-best 56 RBIs. Closer Alex Colome experienced back spasms after throwing six pitches in a scoreless ninth, and he didn’t return for the 10th.
Right-hander Lucas Giolito (4-3, 3.53 ERA) will face Cleveland for the third time this season. He is 0-0 with a 1.38 ERA against the Tribe in 2020 and 2-2 with a 2.56 ERA in six career starts vs. Cleveland with 38 strikeouts in 38 2/3 innings.
Cleveland Indians
Ramirez’s walk-off blast helped Cleveland clinch a playoff spot, but the Indians (31-24) remain poised for a run at the division crown. Ramirez went 1-for-4 to extend his hitting streak to seven games, and he is batting 25-for-67 (.373) in September.
Designated hitter Franmil Reyes went 2-for-4, his second multi-hit game in his past four contests.
Cleveland right-hander Shane Bieber, a leading candidate for the American League Cy Young Award, will get the call. Bieber (8-1, 1.74 ERA) is 2-2 with a 3.27 ERA in seven career starts against the White Sox including a no-decision on Aug. 9 after allowing three runs and four hits in six innings. He has struck out at least eight in all 11 of his starts this year.
White Sox at Indians Betting Pick for September 23, 2020
Not simply content with the franchise’s first postseason berth since 2008, the White Sox realize the urgency that comes with hunting for a division title, even after squandering a prime opportunity Tuesday. Behind an amped Giolito and an opportunistic lineup, the White Sox trim their magic number in another nail-biter at Progressive Field.
White Sox at Indians Betting Pick:
White Sox 4, Indians 2
White Sox at Indians Best Bet for September 23, 2020
Chicago has shown an ability to get to Bieber this season despite managing little discipline at the plate, striking out eight times against just two walks last month at Chicago. The Indians broke out Tuesday against the White Sox’s bullpen, but Giolito and Abreu are primed to help Chicago regain momentum.
White Sox at Indians Best Bet: UNDER 7 total runs (-118)
–Field Level Media
