White Sox vs. Astros series: Predictions, odds, picks for Game 4 of ALDS

Update — Game 4 of the ALDS between the Astros and White Sox was postponed on Monday due to rain. The game will be made up on Tuesday at 2:07 p.m. ET. We’ll update the lines and pitching matchup when that info is released.

The Chicago White Sox kept their postseason hopes alive on Sunday as they defeated the Houston Astros 12-6 in Game 3. Despite the win, the Astros still lead the series 2-1 heading into Game 4 on Monday night. The game is scheduled for 2:07 p.m. ET and will be televised on FS1. The Astros will give the ball to Lance McCullers Jr. and the White Sox will start Carlos Rodon.

White Sox vs. Astros odds

Run line: Astros -1.5 (+155), White Sox +1.5 (-180)
Over/under: 8.5
Moneyline: Astros -105, White Sox -115

After seeing the Astros’ offense take off for a combined 15 runs in the first two games of the series, the White Sox offense finally woke up on Sunday night. Chicago scored 12 runs on 16 hits and had three innings, where they scored three runs or more. The White Sox were also 8-of-15 with RISP, which is good to see as they couldn’t buy a hit or run in the first two games down in Houston.

They will now try to carry that momentum into Game 4 today in another must win. The Sox need Carlos Rodon to give them at least five innings, after Dylan Cease only went 1.2 IP on Sunday night. Rodon had a solid September (2.00 ERA) as he only made two starts in the previous month due to injury. The All-Star pitcher has faced Houston twice this season and has pitched well with a 0.64 ERA and .089 OBA.

However, the White Sox bats will have to try and figure out McCullers, who had an excellent Game 1 performance last week. McCullers only gave up four hits and struck out four batters in 6.2 IP to help the Astros secure Game 1 win. The 28-year-old has pitched well on the road this season, which works in Houston’s favor. McCullers is 7-2 with an ERA of 2.70 and stellar .200 OBA in 12 starts. If Urquidy was starting, then I would fell more comfortable taking the Sox on the moneyline. But with McCullers on the mound, I think the Astros close it out this afternoon.

Starting pitchers: Lance McCullers Jr. vs. Carlos Rodon

McCullers will look to close out the White Sox today and repeat what he did in Game 1 last week. The 28-year-old walks into the potential close out game with a record of 13-5 and 3.16 ERA in 28 starts during the regular season. McCullers looked solid in Game 1 at MinuteMaid Park as he kept the White Sox’s hitters off balance.

Rodon will try to push the White Sox into Game 5 against a potent and high-scoring offense in the Astros. The All-Star starting pitcher didn’t pitch a lot in August due to an injury, but he bounced back in September with a 2.00 ERA and 3-0 record in four starts. The 28-year-old has also pitched well at home, which bodes well for a White Sox team that was 53-28 in the regular season. In 11 starts at Guaranteed Rate Field, Rodon is 6-3 with a 2.26 ERA and .170 OBA.

Prediction: Astros -105

If you or someone you know has a gambling problem, crisis counseling and referral services can be accessed by calling 1-800-GAMBLER (1-800-426-2537) (IL). Gambling problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER (MI/NJ/PA/WV/WY), 1-800-9-WITH-IT (IN), 1-800-522-4700 (CO/NH), 1-800-BETS OFF (IA), 1-888-532-3500 (VA), 1-800-NEXT STEP (AZ) or call/text TN REDLINE 1-800-889-9789 (TN). 21+ (18+ NH/WY). AZ/CO/IL/IN/IA/MI/NH/NJ/PA/TN/VA/WV/WY only. Eligibility restrictions apply. See draftkings.com/sportsbook for full terms and conditions.