The Chicago White Sox and Los Angeles Angels continue their four game set today with a game three showdown at Angel Stadium of Anaheim. This afternoon’s meeting between the White Sox and Angels is scheduled to get underway at 4:05pm ET; the game will be broadcast live on FOX. The latest MLB Picks and Odds have the hosting Angels, who start Joe Blanton, inexplicably listed as a -130 moneyline favorite. The Over/Under in today’s game is set at 8.5 runs (Over is favored at -115 odds).

 

Joe Blanton has been one of the worst starting pitchers in baseball this season, but he finds himself in a favored role this afternoon against the White Sox. That may have something to do with his career record against Chicago, which is a stellar 3-1 with a 2.59 ERA in four career starts opposite the South-siders. However, his last meeting with the White Sox came in 2008, when he still resembled a serviceable pitcher.

 

The nine year veteran has been anything but that this year as evidenced by his 0-7 record, 6.46 ERA, and 1.87 WHIP. Blanton did have a decent little run (for him) going into his last appearance, though. He had earned three consecutive quality starts, allowing eight earned over 20.2 innings before the Royals lit him up for 12 hits and seven runs, all earned, in just 4.2 innings.

 

Countering Blanton today for the Sox is reliever turned starter Hector Santiago. Santiago brings a 2.23 ERA and 1.08 WHIP to the hill today, and he is coming off three starts in which he allowed 14 hits and four earned runs while striking out 20 batters (18 innings).

 

Chicago is now 19-21 after taking the first two games of this series and it has won its last four games, outscoring its opposition by an average of 2.8 runs per game. The Angels, losers in five of their last six games, are 15-27 overall and 12 games back of AL West leader Texas.

 

Notable Trends: The Angels are 1-5 in their last six games as a home favorite against a left-handed pitcher.

 

 

Chicago White Sox +1.5 (-175), Over 8.5 (-115), +120 (Moneyline)

Los Angeles Angels -1.5 (+155), Under 8.5 (-105), -130 (Moneyline)

 

What baseball bettors need to know about Chicago White Sox at Los Angeles Angels on Saturday (5/18/13) - a free pick from Pregame.com's Ken Thomson, with host Marco D'Angelo.