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Guardians vs. White Sox Prediction and Odds for Friday, July 22 (Which Version of Lucas Giolito Shows Up Tonight?)

By Ben Heisler

Chicago White Sox starting pitcher Lucas Giolito has pitched to a 5.30 ERA at home this season, compared to a 4.27 ERA away from Guaranteed Rate Field
Chicago White Sox starting pitcher Lucas Giolito has pitched to a 5.30 ERA at home this season, compared to a 4.27 ERA away from Guaranteed Rate Field / Kamil Krzaczynski-USA TODAY Sports
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When was the last time two teams faced each other following a double-digit shutout victory against their respective opponents?

I personally have no idea, but it's a fun factoid to consider as two of the hotter teams in the AL Central division match up when the Chicago White Sox host the Cleveland Guardians.

Cleveland comes off a 3-game sweep of the Detroit Tigers, including a 10-0 victory at home before their Sunday game was rained out. Cal Quantrill started that game, going six strong innings and makes the start on Friday night in Chicago.

Meanwhile, the Sox come off an 11-0 win against the division-leading Minnesota Twins, as All-Star snub Dylan Cease mowed down Minnesota.

Here are the latest odds for Friday night from the South Side of Chicago via consensus odds:

Guardians vs. White Sox Odds, Run Line and Total

Run Line:

  • Guardians +1.5 (-150)
  • White Sox -1.5 (+130)

Moneyline:

  • Guardians +140
  • White Sox -165

Total:

  • 8 (OVER -110 | UNDER -110)

Guardians vs. White Sox Prediction and Pick

There's a few things in play when trying to evaluate how to handicap this matchup.

Let's start with the constant in Cal Quantrill. The Guardians right-hander have allowed more than three runs just three times in 17 starts this year. However, two of those three games came against the White Sox. In two starts vs. Chicago, Quantrill has allowed eight earned runs on 17 hits over 12.1 innings pitched.

As for Giolito, the former Cy Young contender and All-Star a season ago has been hot or cold all season. However, the two times he's faced the Guardians, he was terrific; giving up just a single earned run in 13.1 innings while striking out 10 and walking two.

Chicago has played the Guardians nine times this year, and have gone just 3-6. But two of those wins came with Giolito on the mound.

I'll trust his experience, along with his sample of results to carry that into the most important stretch of games for the White Sox this season.

Rather than take a side or total, I'll back Giolito on his outs recorded prop, taking him to go at least six innings vs. the Guardians at home.

PICK: Lucas Giolito OVER 17.5 OUTS (-120)

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