CWS ML(+118) *2.00/2.18
Verlander/Cease listed
Probably the most important game of the year for the Sox, more so of the timing of the game to keep up the momentum and confidence to go on a run. A win here vs the #1 team and arguably the #1 pitcher in the AL would do wonders for them. And they need this now or never. The AL Central is winnable, despite how disappointing they have been.
The mini run has all ready begun winning 4 in a row, and that 4 run 8th inning was a true shot in the arm last night.
Momentum in baseball is unmeasurable, gotta ride it.
Dylan Cease's era since June is 0.72, and the Stros haven't seen him this year. They should put more left handed hitters in the lineup as they hit Cease slightly better than righties. The Stros could only muster 2 tonight. Cease has been a terror arm side to righties this year. He's not afraid of pitching up and in. And his slider starts inside and ends on the opposite corner.
Verlander's era since June is 1.63, he's been great. All though the Sox have seen him once this year in Houston, touching him up for 9 hits, 7 runs(4 earned) in just 3.2 innings of work. Of course this doesn't mean that we will see a repeat drubbing, but who knows? Maybe they saw something on film and found his pulse. Maybe they just caught him on a bad day?
The Sox are wisely using 7 righties as Verlander absolutely dominates left handed hitters.
I think catchers play a big role for a pitcher. Even though Maldonado has caught JV 14 times to Castro's 7 times, Castro brings out the best in JV. ERA, BA, and OPS all significantly better. Maldonado will catch.
Seby Savalla is Cease's best catcher so far this year. This battery allows an incredibly low .497 OPS.
Everything screams under here, but I'm staying away from the total. Should be a hell of a game.
Best of Luck
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