Astros vs. White Sox Preview and Pick

The Houston Astros take to the interleague airways and head to Second City to wrestle with the Chicago White Sox for three games this weekend in a re-match of the 2005 World Series.

Chicago, of course, swept four games from Houston seven months ago to win its first World Series title in four score years.

The Astros just dropped two of three games to Minnesota to finish off a 2-4 homestand. Houston sits in third place in the NL Central, six games back of division-leading St. Louis.

The White Sox, winners of seven games in a row, coincidentally just swept the heck out of the Cardinals, outscoring St. Louis 34-11 in the three games. Chicago still occupies second place in the AL Central, a half-game back of division-leading Detroit.

The Astros are 12-18 on the road this season, 13-10 as underdogs.

The White Sox are a solid 27-10 at home this year, 39-22 as favorites.

Houston lefty Pettitte (6-7, 5.44) has allowed 7 ER and 23 H+W in his last 20 IP. The Astros are just 6-10 in Pettitte’s starts this year, the over/under 8-5.

Pettitte started one game in the World Series last year vs. Chicago, limiting the Sox to 2 ER and 8 hits in six innings of work.

White Sox starter Contreras (7-0, 2.96) started out this season very hot, but has cooled a bit lately, even though he still owns a perfect record. Contreras has given up 10 ER and 26 H+W in his last 21 IP.

Chicago is 8-4 in Contreras’ starts this year, the o/u 5-6.

Contreras started one game in the World Series last year vs. Houston, allowing 3 ER and 6 hits in 7 IP.

Houston owns a .331 team OBP this year, which ranks tied for 19th in the majors, and the Astros are averaging 4.6 runs per game.

Chicago’s efficient offense owns a .352 team OBP, 6th-best in the majors, and averages 5.8 RPG.

The White Sox beat St. Louis 1-0 on Thursday. But in their previous six games, Chicago scored 69 runs!

The Houston bullpen has allowed 7 ER and 15 H+W in its last 13 1/3 IP.

The Sox pen has given up 6 ER and 13 H+W in its last 10 innings of work.

The o/u is 33-35 in Astros games this year, 36-32 in Chicago games, and 19-16 at U.S. Cellular Field.

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The Ultimatecapper Pick: Laying chalk (heavy favorites) is a good way to get your bankroll depleted. However, at times we have to bend the rules. Contreras has been absolutely filthy this year and we question Houston’s ability to score runs. Go ahead and lay the wood here with the Sox.