The Cleveland Guardians are set to face off against the Los Angeles Dodgers this Sunday. The game will commence at 1:10 p.m. PT at Dodger Stadium.
The Dodgers enter as -158 moneyline favorites, with the total score projected at 8.5 runs.
Cleveland (81-60 SU, 71-70 RL, and 66-68-7 O/U) will hand the ball to right-hander Tanner Bibee. This 25-year-old pitcher boasts an 11-6 record, a 3.56 ERA, and a 1.12 WHIP over 27 games this season.
On the opposing side, Los Angeles (84-57 SU, 70-71 RL, and 75-63-3 O/U) will rely on right-hander Jack Flaherty. The 28-year-old has compiled an 11-6 record with a 3.01 ERA and 1.04 WHIP across 24 starts.
*This article was prepared prior to the conclusion of Saturday’s matchup.
Cleveland’s Day Game Dominance
Cleveland secured a 3-1 victory in the first game of this series, scoring in both the sixth and eighth innings. Despite a mixed record of 23-23 since the All-Star break, the Guardians maintain a 4.5-game lead in the AL Central over Kansas City.
In terms of performance statistics, Cleveland ranks 17th in on-base percentage (OBP) at .310 and 16th in on-base plus slugging (OPS) at .707. Their pitching staff, however, has been more impressive, holding an ERA of 3.79 (8th) and a WHIP of 1.21 (6th).
Bibee will take the mound for Cleveland on Sunday in Los Angeles. The young righty has excelled on the road, sporting a 7-3 record with a 2.71 ERA and a 1.03 WHIP in 14 starts away from home. In his last outing against Kansas City, he pitched six innings, allowing just one run on two hits while striking out six batters. Notably, Bibee has never faced the Dodgers in his career.
Dodgers: A Force in Interleague Play
Los Angeles holds a robust 28-16 record in interleague games this season. However, their once-comfortable lead in the NL West is diminishing, with the San Diego Padres and Arizona Diamondbacks closely chasing them.
Statistically, the Dodgers rank third in both OBP (.330) and OPS (.766). Their pitching staff has an ERA of 3.88 (10th) and a WHIP of 1.22 (7th).
Flaherty will be on the mound for Los Angeles on Sunday. In his last performance against the Arizona Diamondbacks, he threw 5.2 innings, giving up one run on five hits and striking out seven. Flaherty has been reliable in day games, recording a 3-2 record with a 3.04 ERA and 1.01 WHIP. Historically, he has faced the Guardians six times, achieving a 1-2 record with a commendable 2.38 ERA.
Strategic Betting Insights for Guardians vs. Dodgers
Los Angeles seems to have the upper hand in both pitching and hitting for this matchup. Bibee’s unfamiliarity with the Dodgers could pose challenges for him, especially against a formidable lineup. Flaherty has demonstrated exceptional control against the Guardians, allowing just three runs in his three starts against them this season, with only one run in his last two combined. The Dodgers also benefit from a strong offensive start, averaging 4.7 runs during day games and 5.0 runs at home.
While Cleveland managed to limit the Dodgers’ scoring opportunities in the previous game, it is likely the Dodgers will bounce back. A bet on the home team to win by at least two runs appears to be a prudent choice for this sunny afternoon showdown in Los Angeles.
