Monday, August 18, 2014

U.S. Cellular Field in Chicago

For Updated Odds on This Game Click Here

Monday night, the Baltimore Orioles and Bud Norris (10 – 7, 3.75 ERA) will take on the Chicago White Sox and Chris Sale (10 – 2, 2.01 ERA).  Norris makes his 21st start as Sale makes his 20th.

Bud Norris got his 2nd straight victory in his last start despite pitching another relatively short outing. In just 5 innings of work, Norris surrendered 3 runs and 5 hits while walking a batter and striking out 5.  Although Norris is 7 – 2 in his last 10 starts, he hasn’t given the Orioles as many innings as he could have.  He has pitched over 6 innings just 4 times in his last 10 starts. Norris has already matched his win total from 2013 when he went 10 – 12 with a 4.18 ERA in 30 starts and 2 relief appearances for the Orioles and the Houston Astros.

Last season, Norris was 0 – 2 with a 6.97 ERA in 2 starts against the White Sox.  Chicago is batting .366 against Norris with 15 hits, a homer and 10 RBIs in 41 at-bats.

Chris Sale turned in a solid performance in his last outing but he failed to get the decision.  Sale hurled 8 innings of shutout ball while surrendering just 4 hits and 2 walks as he struck out 12 batters.  The 12 strikeouts tied a season-high.  Sale is 5 -1 in his last 10 starts and only once in that span has he allowed more than 3 runs.  Sale is just a win away from matching his win total from 2013 when he posted a record of 11 – 14 with an ERA of 3.07 in 30 starts.

Sale didn’t face the Orioles last season but he has started against them this season.  In that contest, Sale didn’t factor in the decision despite allowing just 2 runs and 11 hits (including a home run) in 6 innings.      

Baltimore Orioles Betting Trends

Baltimore Orioles are 53-63-3 against the Over/Under

Run Differential for Baltimore Orioles is 0.5

Chicago White Sox Betting Trends

Chicago White Sox are 61-57-3 against the Over/Under

Run differential for Chicago White Sox is -0.5

Injuries to Watch

Baltimore Orioles

08/13/14 SS J.J. Hardy Thumb questionable
08/12/14 3B Manny Machado Knee 15-day DL (8/12)
06/17/14 C Matt Wieters Elbow 60-day DL (5/11), out for season
06/03/14 P Johan Santana Shoulder 60-day DL (6/2), out for season
04/03/14 P Edgmer Escalo Shoulder 60-day DL (3/30)
03/31/14 LF Francisco Peguero Wrist 15-day DL (3/21)

Chicago White Sox

08/09/14 CF Adam Eaton Oblique 15-day DL (8/9)
04/19/14 P Felipe Paulino Shoulder 15-day DL (4/19)
04/10/14 RF Avisail Garcia Shoulder 60-day DL (4/9)
04/04/14 P Nate Jones Hip 60-day DL (4/4)

Guy's Pick: Take Chicago

Get $60 worth of FREE premium member picks. No Obligation. No Salesman. No Credit Card. Fast Sign up with Instant Access Click Here

Read more articles by Guy Bruhn