White Sox vs Nationals | Preview, Odds, Free Pick

Chicago White Sox vs. Washington Nationals

7:05PM Friday June 18 – MLBN

Pitching Probables: Gavin Floyd vs. Stephen Strasburg

Strasburg-Mania continues but the White Sox will be his stiffest test yet. This may not be the best lineup around (they are hitting only .245 as a team) but they are 7th in the majors in homers so don’t be surprised if someones turns a 100mph heater into a souvenir. The Sox are coming off a sweep of the Pirates and have won seven of their last eight. Starter Gavin Floyd hasn’t contributed much though. He has the only loss in that run, although it was in his best outing of the season a 1-0 loss ot the Cubbies. If he can keep his team in the game while Straburg is on the mound the Sox have a good chance of continuing their streak of good play and getting back into the race in the AL Central.

What can I add about Strasburg…not much. If you are looking for another story though how about Adam Dunn. The big fellow with awesome power is on a serious hot streak and has his average at .288. Strasburg has been great but they wouldn’t be chatting about him nearly as much if he were 0-2 instead of 2-0. The Nationals have improved greatly and it is a total team effort. The Nats are enjoying home cooking this season (18-12) and are likley to be a pretty heavy favourite in this one. The only other time that was the case was in Strasburg’s debut when he struck out a boat load of Pirates. If the Sox can make him work and get into the pen they will have the advantage. Easier said then done.

The odds makers have the White Sox as +1-1/2 favorites with a run total of 7.5.

Prediction: No matter how stunning a bubble is it always pops. I don’t think Strasburg is going to get lit up but something like 4 runs over 7 innings could easily be enough to collect his first loss and dose of humble pie. The Sox have been a good follow lately and should continue to be.

Score Prediction:
Chicago White Sox – 5
Washington Nationals – 1

Chicago White Sox Betting Trends:

• Chi White Sox are 7-1 SU in their last 8 games
• Chi White Sox are 6-1 SU in their last 7 games on the road
• Chi White Sox are 2-4 SU in their last 6 games when playing Washington

Washington Nationals Betting Trends:

• Washington is 1-5 SU in its last 6 games
• The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Washington’s last 7 games at home
• Washington is 6-2 SU in its last 8 games at home
• Washington is 4-2 SU in their last 6 games when playing Chi White Sox