Wednesday’s MLB slate begins with a pivotal series finale in Cleveland, Ohio, as the Guardians (77-75) take on the Chicago White Sox (77-74) with first place in the AL Central at stake. A half-game separated these two teams entering the series, with the White Sox atop the division. Chicago stepped up to the challenge with a 7-3 win in Monday’s opener, but the Guardians responded with a 7-6 walk-off win Tuesday night to even the series and cut the White Sox’s division lead back to a half-game.
The White Sox came into this series having lost 10 of their previous 14 games but put that in the rearview mirror thanks to strong pitching from four different arms in Monday’s series-opening win and a six-run sixth inning capped by a two-run home run from Miguel Vargas, his 31st of the season.
The Guardians jumped out to an early 3-0 lead in the first inning of Game 2 with back-to-back home runs from Jo Adell and Travis Bazzana. The White Sox scored six runs between the fourth and sixth innings, including a four-run sixth, and took a 6-5 lead into the bottom of the ninth. However, Brayan Rocchio delivered the heroics with two outs, hitting a walk-off two-RBI double to win the game and set up Wednesday afternoon’s crucial rubber match.
The Guardians will send All-Star rookie left-hander Parker Messick to the mound for Wednesday’s finale. Messick is 11-9 with a 2.51 ERA across 29 starts and has posted a 2.02 ERA since his July 4 start against the White Sox. Left-hander Anthony Kay is scheduled to start for the White Sox, and he has struggled lately, posting a 6.17 ERA over his last seven starts dating back to Aug. 8 against Cleveland and, more recently, an 8.66 ERA over his last four outings.
Get White Sox vs. Guardians predictions, picks, and more below for Wednesday afternoon’s pivotal AL Central matchup at Progressive Field.
White Sox vs. Guardians Odds
The Guardians are listed as home favorites at Hard Rock Bet Sportsbook for Wednesday afternoon’s crucial AL Central finale with Messick on the mound and the team coming off an electric comeback win:
White Sox vs. Guardians Predictions
Who doesn’t love a good divisional race coming right down to the wire? Well, you’re in luck. That’s exactly what’s happening between the White Sox and Guardians in the AL Central, and Hard Rock Bet Sportsbook offers plenty of ways to get in on the action. Make sure to check out the Stats Hub for baseball betting insights and trends when placing wagers, which is where our White Sox vs. Guardians prediction below came from:
Guardians vs. White Sox Best Bet: Guardians Moneyline (-165)
The Guardians have momentum heading into Wednesday’s series finale and have had more success in the win-loss column than the White Sox over the last two or so weeks. It also helps that Parker Messick is starting for Cleveland. He has been dominant on the mound this season and even has the second-shortest odds to win the 2026 American League Rookie of the Year Award at Hard Rock Bet Sportsbook at +600.
The Stats Hub also offers an interesting note that the White Sox have lost each of their last eight Wednesday games against AL Central opponents with a winning record. Yes, that’s a bit obscure, but trends are trends.
- Guardians vs. White Sox Moneyline Pick for Sept. 16: Guardians (-165)
Top 5 Most-Bet Player Props for CWS-CLE
Steven Kwan continues to stay hot at the plate, carrying a nine-game hitting streak into Wednesday’s series finale, and his hits prop is generating the most action in the player prop markets because of it:
- Steven Kwan – Over 0.5 Hits
- Parker Messick – To Record 5+ Strikeouts
- Munetaka Murakami – Over 0.5 Home Runs
- Jo Adell – Over 0.5 Home Runs
- Jo Adell – Over 0.5 Hits
White Sox vs. Guardians Game Info
- š Where: Progressive Field, Cleveland, OH
- š Date: Wednesday, Sept. 16
- ā° First Pitch: 1:00 PM ET
- šŗš» TV/Streaming: ESPN
- ā¾ Probable Pitchers:
- White Sox: Anthony Kay
- Guardians: Parker Messick
More Ways to Bet
One swing can cash your ticket, but until then, Florida players can keep things interesting with Real Money Games powered by Past Motor Racing, only on Hard Rock Bet. Itās another way to stay engaged between plate appearances.
Referenced odds are subject to change.
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