White Sox vs Astros Prediction, Trends, Starting Pitchers and Betting Odds for MLB Playoffs ALDS Game 2

The second game of the ALDS matchup between the Chicago White Sox and Houston Astros is scheduled for this afternoon. Game 1 of this series was dominated by the Astros. Houston got out to an early lead and never looked back on their way to a home win. They’ll look to take care of business again today while the White Sox aim to get back to even before the series shifts to Chicago. The MLB betting odds have nominated the home team as a slight favorite ahead of this White Sox vs Astros Game 2 contest.

This MLB betting preview for White Sox vs Astros ALDS Game 2 includes game info, projected starting pitchers, betting odds, trends and a prediction for this division series matchup.

Chicago White Sox vs Houston Astros Betting Preview and Prediction | MLB Playoffs Game 2

ALDS Game 2 (HOU leads series 1-0)
Chicago White Sox (93-69, 40-41 Away) vs. Houston Astros (95-67, 51-30 Home)
Date: Friday, Oct. 8, 2021
Time: 2 p.m. EST
Venue: Minute Maid Park — Houston, TX
Coverage: MLB Network

White Sox vs Astros Starting Pitchers

White Sox: Lucas Giolito (11-9, 3.53 ERA)
Astros: Framber Valdez (11-6, 3.14 ERA)

Chicago White Sox Preview

Despite stacking up seven hits in Game 1 of the ALDS on Thursday, the White Sox only managed to scratch across one run. Chicago consistently failed to take advantage of opportunities throughout the game and it cost them. Jose Abreu and Luis Robert each had two hits apiece. However, Robert was thrown out attempting to steal second in the top of the 2nd inning. That play really set the tone for the game as the Astros took full control. Abreu drove in Tim Anderson in the 8th inning to at least keep the White Sox from suffering a shutout loss. 

For the second straight game, Chicago finds itself as a short MLB betting underdog on the road. Lance Lynn failed to get the job done in Game 1, and the White Sox will now turn to righthander Lucas Giolito in Friday’s Game 2 matchup. Giolito had a solid 2021 season, posting a 3.53 ERA and recording over 200 strikeouts. He also showed out in his only start against the Astros back in July. Giolito tossed a complete game, allowing just three hits and one run to the talented Houston lineup. If he can replicate that performance in Game 2 of this ALDS series, the White Sox will undoubtedly be feeling pretty good about their chances.

Houston Astros Preview

Timely offense, opportunistic defense and solid pitching were all part of an impressive performance by the Astros in their ALDS Game 1 victory. Jake Meyers drove in Carlos Correa on an RBI single in the 2nd inning to get the scoring started. It was all Houston after that. The Astros added two more runs in each of the next two innings to take control. Houston stroked ten hits as a team. Both Correa and Meyers had a pair of hits, as did Michael Brantley and Yordan Alvarez. A 5th-inning home run by Alvarez rounded out the Astros’ scoring in Game 1. Starting pitcher Lance McCullers Jr. shut down the White Sox bats, recording four strikeouts over 6.2 innings of work.

The Astros will counter Lucas Giolito with their own southpaw in Game 2. Framber Valdez will get the start as Houston tries to take a 2-0 lead in this MLB betting series. Valdez had a terrific season, posting a 3.14 ERA and a 1.25 WHIP. However, he did falter a bit down the stretch after a strong first half. He faced the White Sox one time back in mid-July. While Valdez was effective in that game, allowing just four runs on seven hits in 6.1 innings of work, the Astros never scored and lost the game 4-0.

White Sox vs Astros MLB Betting Odds

MLB betting odds for White Sox vs Astros are taken from BetMGM Sportsbook.

Moneyline: CWS: (+100) | HOU: (-120)
Run Line: CWS: +1.5 (-200) | HOU: -1.5 (+165)
Total: 8 — Over: (-110) | Under: (-110)
Public (Spread) Betting Percentages via Action Network: CWS: (46%) | HOU: (54%)

White Sox vs Astros MLB Betting Trends

• White Sox are 6-2 SU in their last eight games.
• Seven of the White Sox’ last ten games have gone under the total.
• Astros are 6-2 SU in their last eight home games.
• The total has gone under in five of the Astros’ last seven games against AL Central Division opponents.
• Astros are 11-2 SU in their last 13 head-to-head matchups against the White Sox at home.

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White Sox vs Astros Stats

• Chicago is averaging 4.89 runs per game (RPG) this season (No. 8 in the MLB).
• Chicago is surrendering 3.94 RPG this season (No. 4 in the MLB).
• Houston is averaging 5.33 RPG this season (No. 1 in the MLB).
• Houston is surrendering 4.04 RPG this season (No. 6 in the MLB).

White Sox vs Astros Weather Report

Note: This game will be played indoors.

White Sox vs Astros Prediction

The White Sox vs Astros MLB betting prediction uses NumberFire’s probability model. They give Houston a 53.7% chance to win Game 2 of this ALDS matchup.