Toll Free: 1-888-759-2665Backup: 1-888-740-1958 

Boston Red Sox vs Chicago White Sox

The Boston Red Sox (64-39, 6.44 units) and Chicago White Sox (51-52, -4.39 units) are set to open a three-game series Friday night at U.S. Cellular Field.

Boston will certainly be out for revenge after being swept by a Chicago in a previous series this year, getting outscored 24-14 over a three-game span. It was a surprising result for a team that owns the best record in the American league.

The Red Sox have tallied an impressive 18-5 record in July and are in search of their first 20-win month since May 2007.  Offensively, the club leads the majors in home runs over that period, while ranking second in runs.

Tim Wakefield (6-3, 5.15 ERA) is just a win away from becoming the 108th pitcher in MLB history to record 200 career victories.  The right-hander picked up a win last time out despite giving up a season-high seven earned runs, as the offense supported him in a 12-8 home win over the Mariners.

Offensive support has been the name of the game for the veteran, being on the receiving end of 40 runs over his last four starts.  As a result, the ‘over’ is 5-1-1 in his last seven starts overall.

Wakefield has disappointing career numbers against the White Sox, posting a 7-12 record and 4.97 ERA in 33 career appearances (22 starts), including a losing 4-7 mark and 4.83 ERA in the Windy City.

Chicago has endured a disappointing season and the roster could look a lot different by the end of this series.  The White Sox will have to make a decision to continue chasing down the Detroit Tigers in the division or start dumping off veteran players at the trade deadline.

“Here’s what I told Ozzie:  ‘Do not worry about the size of contracts.  Just worry about putting the players out there on a given day that can win,’” said White Sox general manager Ken Williams.

The White Sox have done plenty of winning against the Red Sox recently, winning 13 of the last 15 meetings.

Right-handed starter Gavin Floyd (8-9, 4.11 ERA) has been a big part of that success, bringing in a perfect 5-0 record and 3.26 ERA in six career starts versus Boston.  He captured a 7-4 road win at Fenway Park on June 1, giving up four runs and nine hits over 6 1/3 frames.

Despite those numbers, Floyd will still need to be careful in pitching to Red Sox designated hitter David Ortiz, who is 7 for 20 in his career with three home runs against him.

Bettors will be watching the line closely throughout the day due to the White Sox being 8-1 in Floyd’s last nine starts as a home underdog.

Weather forecasts suggest a beautiful night in Chicago with game-time temperatures in the mid-80s and a slight northeasterly breeze.