Game 94: Athletics vs White Sox meet as both teams slump
The Athletics and White Sox meet in Game #94 on July 10 at Chicago's Rate Field, with Jacob Lopez facing Sean Burke as both slumping clubs chase momentum before the All-Star break. The 47-45 White Sox still lead the AL Central after a dramatic turnaround, while the 41-52 Athletics arrive on a six-game losing streak. Rookie Munetaka Murakami's return from the injured list adds a wild-card subplot to this athletics white sox opener.
Key Takeaways
- First pitch is 7:40 p.m. ET at Rate Field in the opener of a three-game series; Chicago leads the season series 2-1.
- Sean Burke (5-4, 3.56 ERA) opposes Jacob Lopez (4-3, 7.04 ERA), and betting previews widely favor the White Sox on the moneyline.
- Both offenses are ice cold: Chicago scored two runs in its Red Sox sweep; Oakland has lost six straight and nine of its last 10.
- Munetaka Murakami returns for Chicago after more than a month on the IL with a right hamstring strain.
- Consensus total sits at 9 runs, though Sportsbook Wire leans Under given recent scoring droughts on both sides.
Why does Game #94 matter for the Athletics and White Sox?
This is the final series before the All-Star break, and both teams need a reset. Yahoo Sports notes the White Sox sit in first place in the AL Central after one of baseball's most dramatic turnarounds from last season. Yet NBC Sports reports they were just swept by Boston and have lost six of their last eight, scoring only two runs across that three-game set.
The Athletics are in worse shape. They scored four runs in a three-game sweep by Detroit, have dropped six in a row, and are 1-9 over their last 10 games per Sportsbook Wire. For a deeper look at oddball sports storylines like this reversal, browse Bizarre World.
What is the pitching matchup?
Left-hander Jacob Lopez gets the nod for Mark Kotsay's Athletics. The 28-year-old is 4-3 with a 7.04 ERA, 42 strikeouts and a 1.84 WHIP across 53.2 innings in 13 appearances, per Yahoo Sports. His last start, on July 7 against Detroit, lasted three innings with four earned runs in a 6-2 loss, NBC Sports reported.
Will Venable counters with right-hander Sean Burke, who is 5-4 with a 3.56 ERA, a 1.22 WHIP and 106 strikeouts in 98.2 innings. Burke has won four straight decisions, including an 11-strikeout, one-run gem over six innings against Cleveland on July 4. Friday marks Lopez's first career appearance against Chicago, Sportsbook Wire noted.
Who do betting experts favor?
Oddsmakers install the White Sox as home favorites. Sportsbook Wire listed the White Sox at -170 on the moneyline and the Athletics at +140, with a run line of Chicago -1.5 (+118) and a total of 9 (Under -118). NBC Sports cited DraftKings lines of White Sox -168 and Athletics +139.
Both outlets recommend backing Chicago. Sportsbook Wire projects a 4-3 White Sox win and picks the moneyline, citing Oakland's 1-9 slide and Chicago's 28-17 home record. NBC Sports' Rotoworld Bet Staff also recommends the White Sox on the moneyline and run line while passing on the total. Sportsbook Wire's best bet on the Under reflects both clubs' recent offensive struggles.
Where can fans watch and follow along?
According to Yahoo Sports, television coverage includes NBC Sports California for the Athletics. Radio listeners can tune to Talk 650 KSTE or the A's Cast feed. For live context and lineups, the primary game thread is published on Yahoo Sports.