The mid-week matchup wraps up on Wednesday, April 2, featuring two teams with playoff aspirations: the Cleveland Guardians and the San Diego Padres. For an insightful analysis, check out our prediction for this game, along with our top MLB predictions for the evening.
Guardians Struggle at the Plate
Cleveland has started the season with a record of 2-3. After winning two out of three games against the Kansas City Royals, the Guardians have faced a tough challenge against the Padres, suffering two consecutive defeats.
The most recent game saw the Guardians fall 7-0 to the Padres. This outing was particularly disappointing, as they managed only two hits. In a critical moment during the seventh inning, they loaded the bases with a combination of walks and a hit by pitch, yet they failed to capitalize. Their defense faltered in the later innings, resulting in two errors as San Diego cruised to victory.
On Wednesday, Ben Lively will take the mound for Cleveland. His most notable performance this season came against the Royals last week, where he pitched 5.0 innings, allowing three runs and four hits but did not earn a decision. Lively ended the previous season with a 3.81 ERA over 29 starts. Last year, his road ERA was 3.93.
Currently, the Guardians’ offense is anchored by Steven Kwan, who leads the team with a .368 batting average. Kwan has played in every game, contributing three RBIs. Kyle Manzardo stands out with a team-high six RBIs and two home runs.
Padres Aim for a Clean Sweep
San Diego has kicked off its season with an impressive 6-0 record. The team has achieved three shutouts, making them just the third team in MLB history to start a season in such a manner. After sweeping the Atlanta Braves in four games, the Padres have continued their dominance over the Guardians.
In their latest clash, the Padres secured a 7-0 victory against Cleveland on April 1. Michael King was outstanding, pitching five innings with only two hits allowed and striking out 11 batters. Jackson Merrill initiated the scoring with a solo home run in the fourth inning, and the Padres capitalized on Cleveland’s defensive errors.
For Wednesday’s game, San Diego will send Dylan Cease to the mound. He pitched 4.1 innings in his last outing against Atlanta, giving up three earned runs while striking out seven. Last season, Cease maintained a 3.47 ERA across 33 starts, excelling with a 3.03 ERA in 14 home games.
Fernando Tatis Jr. is leading the Padres with a .409 batting average among the players who have participated in the first six games. He has driven in five RBIs, while Merrill has contributed six RBIs. Notably, four different players have hit home runs for San Diego this season.
Best Bets for Cleveland Guardians vs. San Diego Padres
With the Padres being the third team in MLB history to commence their season with a 6-0 record and three shutouts, they are clearly on a roll. The confidence of their players, especially with Dylan Cease on the mound, feels palpable. In contrast, the Guardians have displayed weaknesses in their lineup recently, which could lead to an early advantage for San Diego. The Guardians’ bullpen has been shaky, further suggesting that the Padres’ power-hitting lineup will take advantage of any mistakes.
Bet on San Diego to cover the spread.
Looking for Another Perspective on This Pick?
For an additional opinion on this matchup, check out Cleveland Guardians vs. San Diego Padres Prediction from Statsalt, our partner site.
