Cleveland Guardians vs Chicago White Sox Picks and Prediction for Sunday August 9 2026
The Cleveland Guardians will face the Chicago White Sox on Sunday, August 9, 2026, at Rate Field in Chicago, Illinois. First pitch is scheduled for 2:10 p.m. ET, with MLB.TV providing coverage. Cleveland enters the weekend at 58-59 overall and 30-28 on the road, while Chicago is 59-56 overall and 34-22 at home. The Guardians won Friday's series opener 8-2, while Saturday's game was not completed when this preview was written.
The White Sox are listed as a -123 moneyline favorite, while Cleveland is +102. The total is set at 8.5 runs, with the over at +100 and the under at -120. Baseball bettors should also check out our free MLB picks for more MLB predictions throughout the season.
Starting Pitchers
Cleveland will send Joey Cantillo to the mound against Chicago's Davis Martin. Cantillo enters with an 8-7 record, 3.87 ERA and 1.47 WHIP across 118.2 innings. The left-hander has allowed 118 hits and 15 home runs while striking out 129 and walking 56. Martin is 9-6 with a 4.13 ERA and 1.31 WHIP through 122.0 innings. The White Sox right-hander has surrendered 123 hits and 10 home runs while recording 107 strikeouts against 37 walks.
Cleveland Looks to Build on Friday's Breakthrough
The Guardians enter Sunday's matchup at 58-59 overall and 30-28 on the road. Cleveland is 2-3 over its last five completed games, but Friday's 8-2 victory over Chicago ended a three-game losing streak. Before that win, the Guardians were swept in three games by the Mets, losing 13-6, 6-5 in 10 innings and 6-2. Cleveland's other victory during the five-game stretch was a 5-0 win against Arizona.
Cleveland is batting .232 this season with 467 runs, 901 hits and 112 home runs. The Guardians own a .312 on-base percentage and .369 slugging percentage. Their pitching staff has been the stronger part of the team, posting a 3.80 ERA and 1.27 WHIP while holding opponents to a .240 batting average. Cleveland pitchers have recorded 1,089 strikeouts while issuing 380 walks.
The Guardians' biggest advantage is their pitching staff, but Cantillo will need to control his baserunners. His 3.87 ERA is solid, while his 129 strikeouts provide swing-and-miss ability. However, the 1.47 WHIP and 56 walks show that Chicago could have opportunities. Cleveland needs the version of its offense that scored eight runs Friday rather than the lineup that has struggled to consistently produce throughout the season.
Chicago Tries to Stop a Four-Game Slide
The White Sox enter Sunday's series finale at 59-56 overall with an impressive 34-22 record at Rate Field. Chicago has lost four consecutive games and four of its last five completed contests. The White Sox lost 8-2 to Cleveland Friday after being swept in three games at Boston by scores of 12-11 in 13 innings, 4-0 and 14-2. Chicago's lone victory during the five-game stretch was a 9-1 win at Tampa Bay.
Chicago is batting .237 with 546 runs, 917 hits and 150 home runs this season. The White Sox have produced a .315 on-base percentage and .405 slugging percentage. Their pitching staff owns a 4.13 ERA and 1.31 WHIP, while opponents are batting .240. Chicago pitchers have recorded 973 strikeouts while issuing 418 walks.
The offensive comparison clearly favors Chicago. The White Sox have scored 79 more runs than Cleveland and hit 38 more home runs, while also holding advantages in batting average, on-base percentage and slugging percentage. Chicago's recent form has been poor, but its 34-22 home record shows how much better this club has performed at Rate Field.
Cleveland Guardians vs Chicago White Sox Picks and Prediction
- Pick: Chicago White Sox -123
The Chicago White Sox are the pick to win Sunday's game at -123.
Recent form favors Cleveland, especially after the Guardians handled Chicago 8-2 Friday. However, the White Sox have several season-long advantages that make them attractive at this relatively modest price.
Chicago is 34-22 at home, while its offense has produced substantially more power and scoring than Cleveland. The White Sox have scored 546 runs compared with Cleveland's 467 and have hit 150 home runs against only 112 for the Guardians.
The starting pitching matchup is also closer than Cantillo's lower ERA might suggest. Martin owns the better WHIP at 1.31 compared with Cantillo at 1.47 and has issued only 37 walks in 122 innings. Cantillo's 56 walks could become problematic against a Chicago lineup with considerably more power.
ESPN Analytics gives Chicago a 54.6% chance of winning, and the -123 price is reasonable considering the White Sox's strong home record and offensive advantages.
Take the Chicago White Sox -123.
- Pick: Over 8.5
The over 8.5 at +100 is the preferred total.
Cleveland owns the better overall pitching numbers, but neither starting pitcher has been dominant enough to make the under particularly attractive. Cantillo's 1.47 WHIP provides Chicago with opportunities to generate baserunners, while Martin enters with a 4.13 ERA and has allowed 123 hits in 122 innings.
Recent results also show considerable scoring potential. Cleveland scored eight against Chicago Friday, while the White Sox were involved in a 23-run game against Boston just one day earlier. Chicago's offense has been inconsistent, but its 150 home runs and .405 slugging percentage provide enough upside to contribute significantly against Cantillo.
With the over available at plus money and both starters vulnerable to allowing baserunners, nine combined runs is a realistic target.
Take Over 8.5 at +100.
Prediction: Chicago White Sox 6, Cleveland Guardians 4
This preview was written prior to game play on Saturday.