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The Houston Astros and Chicago White Sox meet in the ALDS in a rematch of the 2005 World Series, which Chicago won. The Astros were members of the NL during that time but made the switch to the AL in 2013. Houston has made the World Series twice in the last four seasons, winning in 2017. The Astros are looking for a fifth straight trip to the ALCS, while the White Sox attempt to get there for the first time since the 2005 season.
Houston has been under intense scrutiny in the last few seasons with the sign-stealing scandal but the team has managed to once again put itself in position to win a title. Jose Altuve and Carlos Correa continue to anchor a deadly lineup. Yordan Alvarez has provided some much-needed power with George Springer’s departure. Houston’s rotation features stars like Lance McCullers Jr. and Zack Greinke but Luis Garcia has emerged as a valuable starter this season, According to DraftKings Sportsbook, the Astros are the favorites to win the AL at +220 and behind the Dodgers to win the World Series at +450.
The White Sox have finally made the postseason after more than a decade of futility. The team finally decided to undergo a true rebuild when it traded Chris Sale in 2016. Even with the controversial hire of Tony La Russa as manager, the White Sox cruised to win the AL Central and will play in their first playoff series since 2009. Tim Anderson, Luis Robert and Eloy Jimenez are dealing with injuries but should be good for this series. Jose Abreu, the reigning AL MVP, continues to produce at a high level with the bat. Will Chicago’s rotation be able to hold up against a tough Astros lineup? That’ll likely determine this series. The White Sox are +300 to win the AL and +700 to win the World Series.
Houston Astros lead series 2-0 over Chicago White Sox
Game 1: Astros 6, White Sox 1
Game 2: Astros 9, White Sox 4
Game 3: Astros at White Sox, Sunday, Oct. 10th, 8:07 p.m. ET, FS1
Game 4: Astros at White Sox, Monday, Oct. 11th, TBD
Game 5: White Sox at Astros, Wednesday, Oct. 13th, TBD, FS1
Game 2 recap — The White Sox appeared to be in the game before the Astros pulled away. The game was tied 4-4 heading into the 7th inning before the ‘Stros scored 5 unanswered runs to win 9-4 in Game 2 of the ALDS on Friday. It was all capped off with a Kyle Tucker 2-run shot to give Houston a five-run lead.
Game 1 recap — The Astros took Game 1 of the series thanks to their offense, scoring 5 runs off of White Sox starter Lance Lynn in the first four innings. Lance McCullers Jr. was stellar, tossing 6.2 innings of shutout ball, allowing just four hits with four strikeouts. Jake Meyers, Carlos Correa, Michael Brantley and Yordan Alvarez all finished with at least two hits for Houston.