On Tuesday night, the Milwaukee Brewers will look to get a split of the two-game series at Miller Park after losing to the Chicago White Sox 6-4 in the opener. The teams will head to Chicago Wednesday for a two-game series at Guaranteed Rate Field.
The teams combined for 22 hits on Monday, with late homers from Jose Abreu and Yoan Moncada being the difference for the White Sox. Moncada continued his scorching start with a 3-for-5 performance with the homer and a double. Moncada is slashing .351/.442/.595 on the year.
Giolito Hopes to Build on Second Start
After not making it out of the fourth inning in his Opening Day start against Minnesota, Lucas Giolito (0-1, 6.52 ERA) hopes he regained his form after a strong outing against Cleveland. Giolito went six innings, allowing only four hits and striking out six. He did not allow a run in the game.
Chicago has won five straight after a 1-4 start. The White Sox offense has scored 26 runs over the last three games. The young team has a combined OPS of .812, one of the best marks in the league.
The White Sox have never faced Brewers starter Brandon Woodruff. Only Yasmani Grandal has ever faced Woodruff and is 0 for 1.
Brewers Trying to Find Offense After Layoff
Milwaukee’s series last weekend with the St. Louis Cardinals was canceled due to the Cardinals’ COVID-19 outbreak. The Brewers offense didn’t seem bothered as they still had 10 hits Monday night. The offense has struggled all year as they have combined for a lowly OPS of .654 as a team.
Woodruff (1-0, 1.59 ERA) could be exactly what the team needs to get back in the win column. He is holding his opponents to a WHIP of .62. He has struck out 15 in only 11 1/3 innings this season.
Milwaukee hitters haven’t seen much of Giolito, with a combined 25 plate appearances. Avisail Garcia and Logan Morrison both have homers off Giolito.
The Brewers are hoping they can get Christian Yelich on track as the former MVP is only 3-for-31 on the season. Yelich had two of those hits in Monday’s game.
White Sox/Brewers Betting Lines
The Brewers are the favorite at -130. The run line has Milwaukee at -1.5 (+150) and the White Sox at +1.5 (-180). Oddsmakers have set the total at eight runs.
Free Betting Pick
Both of these starting pitchers should have the upper hand as the other team has very few at-bats against them. Giolito looked better in his second start but still not up to the quality of 2019. Woodruff has looked almost untouchable as his changeup might be the most improved pitch in all of baseball.
Chicago’s offense is absolutely on a roll, but I like Woodruff to quiet them, if only for a night. Look for Garcia to have a big night against his former club as he helps lead Milwaukee to a victory.
Free Pick: Brewers -130
