Oakland A’s vs. Chicago White Sox Preview and Pick

The first-place Oakland A’s travel to Second City to take on the defending World Champion White Sox for three games starting Monday night.

After winning five games in a row, Oakland has lost its last two. The A’s are still tied for the lead the AL West with Texas.

Chicago has won 5 of its last 8 games and sits in 2nd place in the AL Central, a game back of division-leading Detroit.

The A’s won the season series with the Sox last year 7 games to 2, with the o/u going 4-4-1.

Oakland is 11-9 on the road this season, 8-8 as underdogs.

Chicago is 16-6 at home this season, 24-14 as favorites.

Oakland’s Zito (3-3, 3.27) has been very good lately, allowing just 2 ER in his last 27 2/3 IP. In 3 starts vs. the White Sox this year and last, Zito has allowed 7 ER and 20 H+W in 21 2/3 IP.

Chicago’s Garland (3-2, 6.18) has four quality starts this yearand four bombings. In his last 26 1/3 IP, Garland has given up15 ER. In 3 starts vs. the A’s this year and last, Garland hasallowed 6 ER and 20 H+W in 21 innings pitched.

Oakland owns a .327 team OBP, 10th-best in the AL, and averages 4.5 RPG. In losing 2 of 3 to the Giants over the weekend, the A’s scored a grand total of 3 runs.

Chicago owns a .353 team OBP, 5th-best in the league, and averages 5.7 RPG.

The Oakland bullpen has allowed 5 ER and 22 H+W in its last 14 IP.

The White Sox pen has given up 7 ER and 18 H+W in its last 9 2/3 IP.

The o/u is 21-21 in A’s games this year, 23-18 in White Sox games, and 12-8 at U.S. Cellular Field.

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The Ultimatecapper Pick: This is a tough one. In all candidness, you should pass here. This game is a coin flip with no value to either side.