The Chicago White Sox and Atlanta Braves will start a weekend series to kick off the second half of the Major League Baseball season on Friday. The White Sox come into the second half of the season with a 38-54 record, 8 games behind Cleveland in the American League Central. Chicago is coming into the game fresh off back to back losses to the Cardinals before the break.
For Atlanta, they have been red hot. The Braves are the only team to win 60 games in the first half of the season. The Braves are 60-29, and hold an 8.5-game lead over the Marlins in the National League East. Atlanta did lose their final game of the first half on Sunday to the Tampa Bay Rays.
The Atlanta Braves are monster favorites in this game. The Braves are listed at -225 over Chicago. If you are interested in the underdog, White Sox, they are listed at +190. The run line may interest some, as Atlanta -1.5 is -115. The total for this game is set at 9.
White Sox Looking at Pending Fire Sale
The Chicago White Sox look like they are going to be trading guys. The White Sox have been one of the biggest disappointments in the American League. Part of the issue has been the White Sox inability to hit, with a .237 batting average. The White Sox are 23rd in runs with 382. The White Sox on base percentage is .296, which is 29th in the league.
Andrew Benintendi, Luis Robert Jr and Andrew Vaughn are the leaders on offense. Benintendi leads the way with a .280 batting average. Robert is the top home run hitter with 26, and Vaughn leads the way with 53 runs batted in.
Michael Kopech will get the nod for the Chicago White Sox. The season has not been what Kopech has wanted so far. Despite the 97 strikeouts in 86 innings, his 3-7 record and 4.08 earned run average have not been what Chicago expected. Kopech is looking to make his first start since June 27th at the Angels, as he left with a shoulder injury.
Veteran Presence on Mound for Atlanta
Veteran Charlie Morton will throw for Atlanta. He is in search of his 10th win of the season. Morton has 111 strikeouts in 97 innings, and holds a 9-6 record. Morton over his last five starts, has allowed just 7 earned runs in 27.2 innings pitched. The right-hander from New Jersey is set to turn 40 years old this off-season.
The Braves have been great at home, and on the road. The Braves are 30-15 at home this season, and looking to stay hot at home. The Braves have won 10 straight games at home. Atlanta ranks third in runs scored, with 499, and have the second-best batting average at .271.
Ronald Acuna Jr. is the front-runner to win the National League MVP. The outfielder is hitting .331 on the season. The power supply is coming from Matt Olson, as he leads the team with 29 bombs and 72 runs batted in. The Braves are the top home run-hitting team in all of Major League Baseball, with 169.
Braves Win Again
Look for the Atlanta Braves offense to pick up right where it left off at the All Star Break. There are not weak spots in this lineup, and Atlanta looks ready to run away with the division in the second half. The Braves win this game, and keep the misery on for the Chicago White Sox. Bet the Atlanta Braves -1.5 at -115 on Friday.
