Indians vs. White Sox Preview/Pick

American League Central Division rivals collide when the Cleveland Indians hook up with the Chicago White Sox in the opener of a three-game set Friday night at U.S. Cellular Field.

The White Sox, losers of six of their last nine games, are still trying to track down the Detroit Tigers in the AL Central. Chicago sits in second place in the division, a game and a half back of the Tigers.

The Indians, losers of three of their last four games, are in third place in the AL Central, 8 ˝ games back of Detroit.

Cleveland is 11-15 on the road this season, 10-7 as underdogs.

Chicago is 22-9 at home this season, 31-21 as favorites.

The Indians have won six of nine meetings between these two teams this season, with the over/under going 5-4.

Cleveland starter Cliff Lee (4-5, 5.17) has given up 14 ER and 27 H+W in his last 14 2/3 IP. In three starts vs. the White Sox this year, Lee has been tagged for 13 ER and 24 H+W in 13 IP.

The Tribe is 6-6 in Lee’s starts this season, the o/u 7-4.

Chicago’s Vazquez (7-3, 4.14) has allowed 8 ER and 27 H+W in his last 18 1/3 IP. In two starts vs. Cleveland this year, Vazquez has not allowed an ER in 12 IP.

The ChiSox are 7-4 in games Vazquez has started this season, the o/u 8-3.

Cleveland owns a .361 team OBP, 4th-best in the AL, and averages 5.8 runs per game.

Chicago owns a .347 team OBP, 6th-best in the league, and averages 5.4 RPG. But that average drops to 4.5 RPG vs. LH pitching.

The Indians bullpen has allowed 10 ER and 18 H+W in its last 12 1/3 IP.

The ChiSox pen has given up 5 ER and 15 H+W in its last 11 2/3 innings of work.

Chicago 3B Joe Crede is listed as doubtful for Friday’s game with a bad back.

The o/u is 36-21 in Indians games this year, 30-26 in White Sox games, and 16-13 at U.S. Cellular Field.

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