On Friday, the AL West champion Houston Astros host the NL Central champion Chicago White Sox for Game 2 of the American League Division Series. In the opener, the Astros prevailed by a score of 6-1 to take a 1-0 lead in the best-of-five series. That means the White Sox, if they’re to advance to the ALCS, must win three of the next four.
You can view the full postseason schedule by clicking here. Now let’s get to the important stuff.
How to watch
Date: Friday, Oct. 8 | Time: 2:07 p.m. ET
Location: Minute Maid Park (Houston, Texas)
TV: MLB Network | Stream: fuboTV (Try for free)
Odds: HOU -121; CHW +110; O/U: 7.5 (via Caesars Sportsbook)
Starting pitchers: Lucas Giolito (CHW) vs. Framber Valdez (HOU)
Preview
Valdez in 2021 pitched to a 3.14 ERA/137 ERA+ with a K/BB ratio of 2.16 in 134 2/3 innings. He’s a left-hander, and it’s notable that the right-heavy Sox lineup ranked a strong third in the AL this season in OPS vs. lefties. Across the way, Giolito this season logged a 3.53 ERA/123 ERA+ with 3.87 K/BB ratio in 178 2/3 innings.
The Astros are trying to advance as far as the ALCS for the fifth straight year, and at the same time manager DustyBaker is trying to add a World Series ring to his impressive managerial career. For the White Sox, La Russa is trying to justify ownership’s decision to bring him in to replace Rick Renteria. Only a deep playoff run can accomplish that, which means a win in Game 2 is most definitely in order.
Counting the regular season, the Astros are now 6-2 against the White Sox in 2021.
Prediction
Those righty bats get to Valdez early, and the White Sox hang on to even the series.
Pick: White Sox 5, Astros 3
2021 MLB postseason gear now available
The 2021 MLB Playoffs start Oct. 5 and 6 with the AL and NL Wild Card games. In celebration, 2021 MLB postseason gear is now available for select teams. Shop hoodies, shirts, and more here.
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