AP Sports Preview

CHICAGO (Interstat) — The Houston Astros visit the Chicago White Sox on Saturday at 7:10 p.m. EDT at Guaranteed Rate Field, with the forecast calling for 74 degrees and cloudy skies.

Houston (50-54) enters the third game of this four-game series after falling 3-0 to Chicago on Friday. The White Sox (54-47) extended their lead in the American League Central race behind a strong pitching performance.

Right-hander Peter Lambert (7-6, 3.12 ERA) is scheduled to start for the Astros. Lambert has been Houston’s most consistent starter over the past month, posting a 1.29 ERA over his last four outings. He earned a win his last time out Wednesday against Miami, allowing two earned runs over six innings in a 5-2 victory. In his previous start July 17 against Baltimore, he struck out 10 while allowing one earned run over six innings in a 2-3 loss.

Left-hander Anthony Kay (8-5, 3.45 ERA) will take the mound for Chicago. Kay is coming off a win Wednesday at Texas, scattering five hits and two earned runs over five innings in a 4-2 victory. He has been effective recently despite an inconsistent stretch, posting a 2.57 ERA over his last three starts.

The White Sox’s pitching staff shut down Houston’s offense in Friday’s 3-0 win, the teams’ first meeting this season. Chicago’s bullpen has been a strength, with relievers Grant Taylor and Bryan Hudson combining for 3 scoreless innings Wednesday against the Rangers.

Houston has lost seven of its last nine games and sits fourth in the AL West. The Astros are coming off a series win against Miami, taking three of four from the Marlins. Yordan Alvarez has been a bright spot for Houston, going 2-for-4 with a home run and two RBIs in Wednesday’s win.

Chicago has won four of its last six games and is second in the AL Central, chasing Cleveland. The White Sox’s offense has shown improvement, scoring 10 runs in two of their last three wins.

Interstat’s game simulator projects a 7-4 Chicago victory. Houston has been installed as a pregame favorite with a spread of minus-1.5. The over/under is 8 runs.

The series concludes Sunday afternoon before both teams travel for Monday matchups. Houston heads to Los Angeles to face the Angels, while Chicago hosts the New York Yankees for a four-game set.