Chicago Cubs (56-73) vs. Chicago White Sox (73-54)
August 27, 2021 8:10 pm EDT
The Line: Chicago White Sox -238 / Chicago Cubs +170; Over/Under: +9
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The Chicago Cubs and the Chicago White Sox meet Friday in MLB action from Guaranteed Rate Field. The Cubs are coming off a series versus the Rockies this week. Chicago won the first two games of that set but then lost one on Wednesday. As for the Sox, they played the Blue Jays in their last set. Chicago lost two of the first three games, then on Thursday the Sox took a three-run victory. Check back all season long for free MLB picks at Sports Chat Place.
The Cubs managed to take a 6-4 victory over the Rockies on Monday in the series opener, then followed that up with a 5-2 win in game one of the Wednesday doubleheader. Chicago gave up four runs in the top of the 10th in game two however, falling 13-10 in a wild outing.
Cubs starting pitcher for the Friday opener will be Keegan Thompson. Across his 44.2 innings this year Thompson has 35 hits, 13 runs (12 earned), seven homers allowed, 24 walks, 44 Ks and a 2.42 ERA.
Over on the White Sox’ side, they managed a 5-2 win over the Blue Jays on Tuesday, but otherwise fell 2-1 Monday and 3-1 Wednesday. In the Thursday game, Chicago gave up five runs in the sixth but hung on for a 10-7 victory. Starter Carlos Rodon lasted 5.0 frames with two earned on five hits and a walk.
Starting pitcher for Friday’s game will be the Sox’ Dallas Keuchel. In his 135.2 innings this year Keuchel has 139 hits, 79 runs (71 earned), 22 homers allowed, 46 walks, 82 Ks and a 4.71 ERA.
The Cubs are 14-40 in their last 54 overall and 7-21 in their last 28 road games. Chicago is 5-16 in their last 21 versus a lefty starter and 1-7 in their last eight in game one of a series.
Meanwhile, the Sox are 7-1 in the last eight in game one of a series and 5-2 in their last seven Friday games. Chicago is 57-26 in their last 83 versus a team with a losing record and 58-27 in their last 85 home games.
PICK: I’m going to stick with the White Sox, so long as Keuchel can put up a good outing. He’s been up and down over his last trio, posting 12 earned runs on 18 hits and eight walks in a 16.0-inning span. As for Thompson, he’s coming off 4.0 innings with five hits, two walks and two earned versus the Royals. I like both starters to do a decent job here in an eventual White Sox win. Should be a fun weekend series regardless.
