Guardians vs. White Sox Game 1 Prediction and Odds for Saturday, July 23 (Triston McKenzie Leveled Up)

Entering a pivotal series with the White Sox, the Guardians had lost seven of eight on the road. But I've got faith in Cleveland to open today's double-header with a victory behind Triston McKenzie.

The Guardians' lanky 24-year-old has gone 21 consecutive innings, spanning three starts, without allowing a single run. He's given up only nine hits in that stretch while striking out 23 batters, showcasing an incredible blend of touch and power to leave hitters clueless.

Chicago entered the All-Star Break winning five of its last six games, but the White Sox are a team I'm fading moving forward. I'll admit that Johnny Cueto has been a revelation for the club, surrendering three runs or fewer in 11 of his 12 outings.

Can Cueto make me eat my words or will McKenzie pick up a fourth straight win?

Let's check out the odds from WynnBET Sportsbook before we dive into this Guardians vs White Sox matchup:

Guardians vs White Sox Odds, Run Line and Total

Run Line:

• Guardians -1.5 (+140)
• White Sox +1.5 (-210)

Moneyline:

• Guardians +100
• White Sox -110

Total:

• 9 (Over -110 /Under -110)

Guardians vs White Sox Prediction and Pick

Triston McKenzie might be leveling up before our eyes. He struggled in June but has focused on throwing more sliders and curveballs recently. The results speak for themselves.

Just look at this pitch and tell me what a batter is supposed to do:

The answer, it seems, is not much. He's traditionally struggled with command against Chicago, but he's issued one or fewer walks in five of his last six starts so that problem may be fixed.

And as is the norm for a poorly managed team with a horrific defense and lackluster bullpen, the White Sox are terrible at home. They're 4-8 in their last dozen at Guaranteed Rate Field, while the Guardians had won eight of nine on the road before a hiccup before the All-Star Break.

Johnny Cueto is pitching well, but his underlying metrics imply regression is coming and he ranks in just the 38th percentile in expected batting average. Cleveland's contact-heavy approach will put pressure on Chicago's AL-worst defense, and all we'll need is one big mistake to open the flood gates.

Back the Guardians to open today's double-header by improving to 7-1 in McKenzie's last eight starts as his ascension continues.

Pick: Guardians ML +100

Follow all of Joe Summers' betting picks here.