Yankees vs White Sox: Will the White Sox Pull Off the Upset?

Chicago has looked sharp all year and enters Tuesday as the AL Central leader at 55-50. The fact that they are only slight underdogs against a Yankees club starting its ace already speaks volumes about how the market views this White Sox team. They are 32-20 at home and have shown they can compete with anyone in their own ballpark.

Monday night’s series opener offered a clear preview of what is possible. The White Sox jumped out to a quick 3-0 lead, controlled the early innings, and won the first five before the bullpen and a few defensive miscues allowed New York to storm back for a 9-5 victory. That early success against the Yankees lineup is encouraging, especially with left-hander Anthony Kay (7-4, 4.21 ERA) on the mound tonight. Kay has been a steady presence for Chicago and is fully capable of keeping the potent Yankees bats in check.

Gerrit Cole has pitched better of late but still carries a 3.92 ERA and has surrendered home runs at a noticeable rate since returning from injury. The White Sox offense, which ranks among the more productive groups in the American League, has the power and balance to get to Cole early and force the Yankees into high-leverage situations.

With a home crowd, a competitive starter, and proven ability to jump ahead of New York and get a lead, Chicago is positioned to finish what it started on Monday. At (+100), the White Sox moneyline offers strong value on a team that has already shown it belongs in this matchup. Yesterday, the White Sox blew their lead. Tonight, they hold onto it.