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With the worst record in the Major Leagues and a week before the trade deadline, this season isn’t likely to become one to remember for the White Sox, but some wins down the stretch would go a long way in terms of building morale for next season and beyond.
As for the Texas Rangers, the defending champs are in a bit of a pickle, too. Even after two wins to start the series with the White Sox, they’re still three games below .500 and 3.5 away from the top of a surprisingly weak AL West. Things aren’t getting any easier going forward as far as the schedule, so every win they can bank will be of vital importance, starting Wednesday night in Game 3 of a four-game set with Chicago.
The first two matchups have been decided by just a run, so it’s become clear that the Sox can compete. Let’s take a look at what to expect in Wednesday’s finale.
White Sox vs. Rangers odds
- Moneyline: White Sox +200 | Rangers -250
- Run Line: White Sox +1.5 (-110) | Rangers +1.5 (-110)
- Total: Over 8 runs (-115) | Under 8 runs (-105)
Odds via BetMGM
White Sox vs. Rangers prediction
The White Sox will be turning to Chris Flexen to turn things around after ace Garrett Crochet only managed four innings on Tuesday, putting an extra strain on the bullpen.
It’s been another tough season for the righty Flexen, with a 5.22 ERA and a 1.40 WHIP, and he’s not even trending in the right direction. His most recent start was arguably his worst of the season. In 4.2 innings against the Royals, he tied season highs in earned runs (7) and walks (5).
One of the most glaring weaknesses out of the many attributable to Flexen is his struggles against left-handed bats, which isn’t going to fly against the Rangers, whose top two hitters by OPS are lefties Josh Smith and Corey Seager.
Texas is countering with Nathan Eovaldi, who is flirting with a career-best ERA (3.36) as well as an impressive 1.07 WHIP. He’s been a bit shaky of late, however; the Orioles hung six earned runs on his ledger in his last start, and a few outings before that, the Brewers scored five against him in a tough extra-inning loss.
White Sox vs. Rangers pick
As competitive as the first two games of this series have been, the time is right to invest in Texas with Flexen on the mound for Chicago. The Rangers’ lineup isn’t where it was a year ago, but it’s still more than capable of exploiting a favorable matchup.
The Rangers side of the moneyline (-250) isn’t quite playable, except perhaps as a parlay piece, so let’s stick with the run line, as they should pull away before bullpens become a factor.
Pick: Rangers +1.5 (-110)
