Bernie Wilson
Updated on: October 11, 2024 1:05 am GMT
The Chicago White Sox are approaching a modern-day milestone of a different sort as they prepare to face the Oakland Athletics. With a dismal record of 33-114, the White Sox are just seven losses away from breaking the single-season record for losses, currently held by the 1962 New York Mets, who finished with 40-120. This grim statistic sets the stage for their first game of a three-game series against the A’s on Friday evening at Guaranteed Rate Field.
White Sox’s Challenge and Pitching Matchup
The White Sox’s struggle this season has left them among the league’s bottom teams, and they need a win to avoid solidifying their place in baseball history for the wrong reasons. LHP Garrett Crochet, the team’s most reliable pitcher this season, will take the mound. Crochet, who has been dealing with an innings restriction since July, enters the game with a 3.83 ERA and an impressive strikeout rate of 12.8 per nine innings. However, his recent performance reflects a concerning decline, with a 6.34 ERA over his last 11 starts.
Chicago’s bullpen has also been a point of contention. Since July, the White Sox bullpen ranks as the second-worst in Major League Baseball with a 5.48 ERA. This puts additional pressure on Crochet to perform, as he has been limited to throwing four innings or fewer per start during this stretch.
A’s Pitcher Brady Basso’s Opportunity
Countering Crochet for the Athletics is Brady Basso, who will make his fifth career appearance and second start. Basso comes in with an impressive 1.93 ERA over 9 1/3 innings of work. He has shown promise in the minor leagues, posting a 4.55 ERA with 10.5 strikeouts per nine innings before being called up. Despite facing a struggling White Sox lineup that averages just 3.1 runs per game, Basso’s numbers indicate that he will be a formidable opponent on the mound.
Team Performances and Recent Trends
The Athletics have been performing decently in recent weeks, compiling a record of 27-22 since the All-Star Break. However, they struggled in their most recent outing, losing to the Houston Astros 6-3. Oakland’s record of 28-44 on the road this season contrasts sharply with their performance against the spread of 80 wins against the spread across the season.
The White Sox are in dire straights, having lost 17 of their last 19 games. They were swept by the Cleveland Guardians in their last series, and their inability to produce runs has been a significant concern. With Chicago’s offensive output dwindling, marking an average of three runs per game at home, they face an uphill battle against Oakland.
Series History and Betting Insights
As the teams meet for the fourth time this season, the Athletics hold a 2-1 advantage in the season series. Despite the White Sox’s lengthening losing streak, they have historically been competitive in individual matchups. Nevertheless, with current standings suggesting otherwise, the A’s are positioned as favorites for this encounter. BetMGM lists the Athletics at -124, indicating their expected success against a faltering White Sox team.
Aside from the team statistics, potential for high-scoring plays exists, with oddsmakers suggesting an over/under of 8 runs for the game. Recent trends have shown that both teams have had fluctuating offensive production, with the White Sox hitting 5-4 on totals in their last nine games. Similarly, Oakland has gone over in six of its last eight games, indicating possible offensive opportunities.
The Stakes for Both Teams
As the race for the end of the season continues, the implications of Friday night’s game go beyond mere standings. For the White Sox, a loss brings them closer to an unwanted record and deepens the narrative of a struggling season. For the Athletics, a win paves the way for maintaining momentum in the late-season stretch and solidifying their performance against a struggling opponent.
First pitch is set for 7:40 p.m. ET at Guaranteed Rate Field, making it a must-watch for fans and analysts alike trying to gauge the trajectory of both teams as they head into the off-season.
With both clubs weighed down by their performance this season, the pressure is palpable, making this opening game of their three-game series pivotal for several reasons. The Athletics are poised to capitalize on the White Sox’s struggles, and all eyes will be on the mound to see if Crochet can deliver a much-needed win for Chicago or if Basso will shine in his second start for Oakland.
For the latest news and updates on betting lines, you can look at Greg Peterson’s daily MLB picks and the official MLB betting guides. They have great information that can help you make better choices.
