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White Sox vs. Astros Prediction and Odds for Saturday, June 18 (Verlander Continues Dominance at Home)

By Joe Summers

Justin Verlander has the lowest ERA of all-time at Minute Maid Park (2.54)
Justin Verlander has the lowest ERA of all-time at Minute Maid Park (2.54) / Bob Levey/GettyImages
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The 40-24 Houston Astros annihilated the 30-32 Chicago White Sox 13-3 yesterday and aim for a similar result as the two square off again this afternoon at 4:10 PM EST.

Justin Verlander starts for Houston after seven shutout innings against Miami last week. He's the AL Cy Young favorite at WynnBET (+350) with an 8-2 record and 1.94 ERA in 12 starts.

Chicago counters with Johnny Cueto, who is winless in six appearances with a 3.53 ERA. He's allowed more than three runs just once over that stretch, though.

Can Cueto notch his first victory of the campaign or will Houston win convincingly yet again? Let's check out the odds from WynnBET Sportsbook to help find the value in this White Sox vs Astros matchup:

White Sox vs Astros Odds, Run Line and Total

Run Line:

  • White Sox: +1.5 (+105)
  • Astros: -1.5 (-125)

Moneyline:

  • White Sox: +225
  • Astros: -250

Total:

  • 8 (Over -110/Under -110)

White Sox vs Astros Prediction and Pick

If you remove the 10 runs Houston scored in the fifth inning yesterday, then the White Sox and Astros actually tied, so good job Chicago!

Unfortunately for the Southsiders, you can't do that. Blow-up innings have become a common problem in the Tony La Russa era, as he frequently mismanages his bullpen and low-damage innings turn into massive problems quickly. I expect Dusty Baker to outclass La Russa again, and today he's got a significant starting pitching advantage to work with.

Johnny Cueto has been good this season since being signed to replace Dallas Kuechel, but Verlander is the Cy Young favorite for a reason. And he's at home, where the Astros have won four straight behind him by a combined score of 22-8.

Verlander allowed only one run over his last two starts as he's maintained his dominant form, while Cueto surrendered four home runs in his three June outings already.

The Astros average the third-most home runs per game in MLB and belted five yesterday. With a limited bullpen after La Russa's shenanigans yesterday, the White Sox arms should struggle to limit Houston's lineup once again.

Chicago lost three straight behind Cueto by a combined score of 5-17 and I see more of the same today. They're 1-5 in their last six as a road underdog while the 'Stros are 16-6 in their last 22 as a home favorite. Roll with Verlander to nab a statement win against the overmatched White Sox.

Pick: Astros -1.5 (-125)

Follow all of Joe Summers' betting picks here.

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