In this article we will formulate a Chicago White Sox vs Tampa Bay Rays prediction for this MLB game on Friday, April 26th at Guaranteed Rate Field in Chicago, Illinois. Let’s take a look at the prediction for game one in this series.
White Sox Looking for their Fourth Win
The Chicago White Sox are 3-22 this season and they have lost seven games in a row and 13 of their last 14. Chicago is coming off of a series loss to the Twins, where they lost all four games by scores of 6-3, 6-3, 6-5, and 7-0. Prior to that series, the White Sox were swept by the Phillies (outscored 24-7) and lost two out of three to the Royals. Chicago has been the worst team in the MLB so far this year and they have been swept in a series more times than they have won games.
The Chicago pitching staff has a 5.26 ERA, a 1.47 WHIP, and a .260 opponent batting average. The White Sox offense has scored 56 runs with a .192 batting average and a .266 on base percentage. Gavin Sheets is batting .246 with three home runs and 10 RBI’s for the White Sox this year. The Chicago offense has been really bad to start this season and they aren’t just in last place in runs scored, they are only averaging 2.24 runs per game.
Tampa Bay Looks for Back to Back Wins
The Tampa Bay Rays are 13-13 this year and they have lost three of their last four games. Tampa Bay is coming off of a series loss to the Tigers, where they lost two out of three games. Prior to that series, the Rays lost two out of three to the Yankees and split a four game series with the Angels. Tampa Bay has struggled to win back to back games, as they haven’t done so in their last 13 games.
The Tampa Bay pitching staff has a 4.40 ERA, a 1.31 WHIP, and a .246 opponent batting average. The Rays offense has scored 103 runs with a .244 batting average and a .302 on base percentage. Isaac Paredes is batting .284 with six home runs and 16 RBI’s for the Rays this year. The Rays have managed to start the season with a .500 record, but they are in the bottom half of the MLB in runs scored and team ERA.
Starting Pitchers
The projected starting pitcher for Chicago is Chris Flexen, who is 0-3 with a 6.41 ERA and a 1.42 WHIP over 19.2 innings pitched this year. Flexen has bounced between the bullpen and rotation so far this year, but he has allowed 13 earned runs and 19 hits over 13.1 innings in his last three starts. Tampa Bay is projected to start Zach Eflin, who is 1-2 with a 3.68 ERA and a 1.06 WHIP over 29.1 innings pitched this season. Eflin has allowed one earned run or fewer in three of his last four starts, but he has allowed at least five earned runs in two of his five starts this year.
Chicago White Sox Team Facts
- The White Sox have lost each of their last 10 games after playing the previous day.
- The White Sox have failed to cover the run line in each of their last eight night games at Guaranteed Rate Field following a road loss.
- The ‘Inning 1 UNDER 0.5 runs’ market has hit in each of the White Sox’s last 12 night games against AL East opponents.
- The White Sox have led after 7 innings in three of their last four games as underdogs against AL East opponents.
- The White Sox have trailed after 3 innings in each of their last five night games.
Tampa Bay Rays Team Facts
- The Rays have lost seven of their last eight games as favorites following a home win.
- The Rays have failed to cover the run line in each of their last seven games as favorites.
- The Rays have trailed after 5 innings in four of their last five games as favorites against American League opponents.
- The ‘Inning 1 OVER 0.5 runs’ market has hit in each of the Rays’ last four games as road favorites against American League opponents.
- The Rays have trailed after 3 innings in each of their last three games at Guaranteed Rate Field.
Chicago White Sox vs Tampa Bay Rays Prediction
The Chicago White Sox come into this game with the home field advantage, but they are just 2-9 at home this season. Chicago has been the worst team in the MLB this year and it doesn’t look like it is going to get any better. Tampa Bay is at the .500 mark, but they really haven’t played very well so far. Eflin is on the mound for the Rays and while he has been inconsistent, he shouldn’t have any issues with a bad White Sox lineup here. My Chicago White Sox vs Tampa Bay Rays prediction is for the Rays to win by at least two runs.