CHICAGO (Interstat) — The Chicago White Sox host the Houston Astros on Friday night at Guaranteed Rate Field, with first pitch scheduled for 7:10 p.m. under cloudy skies and 72 degrees. The White Sox (54-47) enter the series opener holding a four-game lead in the American League Central. The Astros (50-54) are 7 1/2 games back in the AL West race. Right-hander Peter Lambert (4-2, 3.18 ERA) is scheduled to start for Houston. The 28-year-old has been sharp of late, allowing two earned runs or fewer in four of his past five starts. He took a no-decision Wednesday against Miami, yielding two runs over six innings in a 5-2 win. Left-hander Anthony Kay (5-3, 4.01 ERA) gets the ball for Chicago. Kay earned a win Wednesday at Texas, allowing two runs over five innings. He has struggled with command in three of his past five outings. Chicago is 7-3 in its past 10 games, while Houston is 5-5 over that span. The White Sox are listed as -1.5 favorites. The over/under is 8.5 runs. Interstat’s game simulator projects a 7-4 final in favor of the White Sox. The two teams continue the series Saturday and Sunday before Chicago hosts the New York Yankees and Houston travels to Los Angeles to face the Angels.