Following a bit slower Thursday, we have a 15-game slate in the MLB on Friday, August 19, and this divisional rivalry game is attracting a lot of interest, so make sure you check out the best White Sox vs. Guardians betting pick and odds.

Chicago and Cleveland will play the first of a three-game series at Progressive Field, and the White Sox are -120 moneyline favorites on MyBookie Sportsbook, while the total is set at 7.5 runs. These American League Central foes have met 13 times this season and the Guardians lead the series 8-5.

White Sox suffered a disaster against the Astros

Despite winning the opening two games of the series against the Houston Astros at home, the Chicago White Sox failed to win the series. They lost the next two, and the most recent one was a disaster as the Astros destroyed them, 21-5. After these losses, the White Sox allowed the Minnesota Twins to leapfrog them in the AL Central, but it’s still a three-horse race between them and Cleveland.

Lucas Giolito (9-7) struggled in his start as he surrendered even seven runs on eight hits with five strikeouts and a walk. Chicago’s bullpen didn’t play any better and the Astros simply dismantled its pitchers. Yoan Moncada was a bright spot in Chicago’s offense with a three-run homer.

Lance Lynn (3-5) is getting his 13th start of the season when he takes on Cleveland on Friday. The 35-year-old righty owns a 5.62 ERA, 1.25 WHIP, and 69/11 K/BB ratio over 65.2 innings of work.

Guardians split the series with the Tigers

The Cleveland Guardians will be unhappy after splitting the series with the divisional rivals Detroit Tigers at home, but they are still atop of the AL Central with two wins ahead of the Twins and White Sox. Cleveland did win nine of the previous 12 games, and that fine form put them in the leading spot in the division.

The Guardians were down 4-1 in the final game of the series against the Tigers but scored six runs in the 8th inning to secure an 8-4 victory. Jose Ramirez and Oscar Gonzalez chipped in two RBIs apiece and scored three runs combined in this W. Cal Quantrill (9-5) didn’t play well during 6.0 innings as he allowed four runs on five hits with two strikeouts and two walks. Bryan Shaw (6-2) was credited with the win.

Triston McKenzie (8-9) will start on the mound for the 22nd time this year when he faces the White Sox on Friday. The 25-year-old right-hander has a solid 3.14 ERA, 0.97 WHIP, and 124/35 K/BB ratio in 134.2 innings.

Trends:

Chicago:

  • 1-4 in the last five road games with the total set at 7.0-8.5

Cleveland:

  • 5-1 in the last six during game 1 of a series
  • 9-3 in the last 12 overall
  • 10-4 in the last 14 vs. American League Central rivals

Chicago White Sox vs. Cleveland Guardians Pick  

Although Lance Lynn won two of his last three starts, he did struggle against the Guardians this season. In two starts against Cleveland, Lynn registered a bloated 7.20 ERA and suffered one loss. On the contrary, Triston McKenzie was great against the White Sox, and despite failing to get a W in his two starts, he did post a sublime 1.80 ERA. The White Sox are not good against a right-handed pitcher, unlike the Guardians, who are scoring 4.64 per nine innings against righties.

Pick: Take the Guardians to win at +100

The Total

Lynn is allowing a .325 batting average to Cleveland’s batters in his career, while McKenzie is way better against the White Sox’s offense (.215 BA). That said, I don’t expect the visitors to score more than two runs against Triston, and given how Cleveland’s bullpen is playing of late, I seriously doubt the White Sox have a chance late in the game. I am backing the hosts to score more runs here, but I don’t expect a high-scoring affair. Under is 7-3 in the last ten H2H meetings in Cleveland, Under is 7-3 in the White Sox’ previous ten road games, while Under is 8-3-1 in the Guardians’ last 12 overall.

Pick: Go Under 7.5 runs at -110