by Chuck Sommers
Saturday, Oct 02, 2021
Game time: 3:10 p.m. ET
Venue: Guaranteed Rate Field, Chicago, IL
Where to watch: Bally Sports Detroit, NBCSCH
Opening Odds at USA Sportsbooks
DraftKings: White Sox -320, Tigers +250
BetMGM: NL
Caesars: NL
Season record (entering Saturday)
Tigers: 76-84 (3rd place, AL Central)
White Sox: 92-68 (Clinched American League Central)
Ben Burns has been around long enough to know that it's never over until it's over. Last night was a painful reminder. The Diamondbacks had a 7-0 lead entering the sixth inning, yet couldn't seal the deal. Off that tough loss and now 8-3 his last 11 MLB, Ben HITS BACK HARD Saturday. Catch Ben’s and other plays available right now at the Shop Picks page, where you can find all of the Best Bets from our champion sports handicappers.
Tigers - White Sox preview and analysis
Recent form
Tigers: 4-6 in last 10
White Sox: 7-3 in last 10
At the time of publishing, the Chicago White Sox still have something to play for.
The White Sox know they're facing the Houston Astros in the American League Division Series. What's not yet finalized is where Game 1 takes place. If the Astros win one of their games over the weekend against the Oakland Athletics, Minute Maid Park is the spot.
But Guaranteed Rate Field is a likely landing spot should Chicago win out against the Detroit Tigers this weekend and Houston loses against Oakland. Game 3 of the series finale will take place Sunday.
The White Sox got off to a strong start in the first game on Friday, putting up eight runs on 13 hits for an 8-1 rout. Lance Lynn threw five solid innings and allowing only four hits while striking out four. Jose Abreu hit his 30th home run to go with a team-high 117 RBI this season. It was the fifth season in the former MVP's career that he's reached that mark.
When you're in the same company as Frank Thomas and Paul Konerko, you're likely doing something right.
Tim Anderson had a perfect day at the plate, going 4-for-4 from the leadoff spot and also drove in his 60th RBI of the season. Anderson, who had been dealing with nagging injuries a month ago, is going to end the season batting well over .300 and provide a stellar option for clutch batting.
We haven't talked much about the rebuilding Tigers, but it's been a fun season while finishing only a few games under .500. Miguel Cabrera reaching the 500-homer club is the highlight of this season. Never mind the fact he went 0-for-4 on Friday, and the fact the rest of Detroit's offense was held to just seven hits by seven different players is a sign they're not there yet.
The Tigers have a solid core to build around between top-average hitter Jonathan Schoop, Robbie Grossman and Akil Baddoo. If Cabrera does feel entailed to come back for one more year, it's not a horrible thought to come back and make another run at it.
Prediction
For as admirable as the Tigers have been this year, they're one of those teams that are just hoping to get things wrapped up as soon as possible. Knowing the White Sox have at least something to play for, expect them to play hard in this game should Houston fall again Saturday. White Sox win 8-2
Betting trends
Tigers are 11-9 (+15.5 net games) when an underdog of +200 or higher.
White Sox are 14-7 when a home favorite of -200 or higher.
Projected lineup
Tigers:
Akil Baddoo (L) CF
Robbie Grossman (S) LF
Jonathan Schoop (R) DH
Miguel Cabrera (R) 1B
Jeimer Candelario (S) 3B
Isaac Paredes (R) 2B
Harold Castro (L) SS
Eric Haase (R) C
Daz Cameron (R) RF
White Sox:
Tim Anderson (R) SS
Luis Robert (R) CF
Jose Abreu (R) 1B
Yasmani Grandal (S) C
Eloy Jimenez (R) LF
Yoan Moncada (S) 3B
Gavin Sheets (L) DH
Adam Engel (R) RF
Leury Garcia (S) 2B
Probable starting pitchers: Tyler Alexander (DET) vs. Dylan Cease (CWS)
Statistical leaders
Tigers:
Batting average: Jonathan Schoop (.279)
Hits: Jonathan Schoop (173)
Home runs: Robbie Grossman (23)
RBI: Robbie Grossman (66)
Stolen bases: Robbie Grossman (19)
Wins: Tarik Skubal (8)
Saves: Gregory Soto (18)
ERA: N/A
White Sox:
Batting average: Tim Anderson (.306)
Hits: Tim Anderson (159)
Home runs: Jose Abreu (30)
RBI: Jose Abreu (117)
Stolen bases: Tim Anderson (18)
Wins: Two tied (13)
Saves: Liam Hendriks (37)
ERA: Lucas Giolito (3.58)
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Chuck Sommers
About the Author:
Chuck Sommers has camped outside of sportsbooks since he can remember, learning the tricks and nuances of the trade. He still has nightmares of betting $5,000 on the Raiders in the Tuck Rule game but has since turned that to 25 years of veteran handicapping greatness. You can find him mostly in the shadows at the Red Rock or Aliante casinos wondering if the over is cashing on any given Sunday.
