Los Angeles Angels vs. Chicago White Sox Prediction: Will Michael Kopech Stack Up Strikeouts?

Los Angeles Angels vs. Chicago White Sox Prediction: Will Michael Kopech Stack Up Strikeouts?

The Angels and White Sox face off in the series closer of a rubber match, with the series being tied 1-1. Although I have no play on the side or total for this game, there is a strikeout prop that caught my eye right off the bat. Michael Kopech gets the nod in the series closer, and this is an opportunistic spot for this prop on him. I am backing the over on his strikeout prop.

Angels vs. White Sox Start Time, Where to Watch, and Odds

• Date: June 29, 2022
• Game Time: 9:38 pm ET
• Where to Watch: BSW, NBCSCH

Click Here for Angels vs White Sox Odds

Angels vs. White Sox Total Movement

Los Angeles Angels vs. Chicago White Sox Prediction

Michael Kopech is a right-handed pitcher in his third season in the MLB. Kopech is 2-4 with a 2.59 ERA on the season. Kopech's strikeout line is 5.5 today, which is lower than it probably should be. However, I don't blame the books for this line. Kopech has only hit this line once in five starts in June, although one outing was only .2 innings. This start should be different, though. Kopech has a 22.9% strikeout rate, which is slightly above the MLB average. It's not necessarily Kopech I am backing here, but rather the Angels that I am fading.

The Angels are number one overall in strikeouts against right-handed pitching in 2022. They have struck out at a 27.6% clip over the last 30 days against righties. Mike Trout, Jared Walsh, Andrew Velazquez, Max Stassi, and Brandon Marsh all strike out at a much higher rate than the MLB average. Kopech has also seen this lineup before, albeit briefly. In two bullpen appearances last season, Kopech had three strikeouts in two innings in both outings. This rate would put him over his line tonight in four innings.

Despite Kopech's inconsistency in strikeouts over the month of June, he should hit six tonight. Kopech has the ability to have those high strikeout games, hitting 7+ in four starts this season, and what better time than against a swing-happy team like the Angels. In games that Kopech has gone 5+ innings, he has gone over 5.5 strikeouts in four of the nine outings. I think Kopech goes at least five innings tonight, as Larussa has been leaving his starters in for six innings or more in almost every game recently. Kopech has a history of strikeouts against these Angels, and the Angels strike out at the highest rate in the MLB against righties. It seems like a good opportunity for K's after Kopech has had an iffy June.

Los Angeles Angels vs. Chicago White Sox Pick

• Michael Kopech Over 5.5 K's (-105) (Bet $105 to Win $100)

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