#White Sox vs. Rays prediction: Take the road team

The Rays own the best record in the AL, but they have lost three of Michael Wacha’s past four starts and will have to rely on him Friday against the White Sox. 

Chicago’s Lucas Giolito has surrendered two runs or fewer in eight of his past nine road starts with a 2.77 ERA and five home runs allowed over 55 1/3 innings. 

The White Sox have hit better on the road than at home (5.1 runs per game versus 4.9), while the Rays are averaging nearly a run per game fewer at home (4.8 versus 5.7). 

Wacha is allowing 1.9 home runs per nine innings and has given up multiple home runs in four of his past six starts. Opponents are hitting .303 off of him this season, and in six starts since the All-Star break, he has an 8.04 ERA with eight home runs allowed in 28 innings with foes hitting .358 off of him. 

With the Rays’ .236 home batting average ranking 24th in MLB along with Wacha’s recent struggles, Chicago will open its series in Tampa Bay with a win. 

The play: White Sox, -125.