Danny Salazar (5-1, 3.79 ERA) and Ubaldo Jimenez (3-3, 3.12 ERA) start in the second of a three-game series between the Cleveland Indians (26-28) and the Baltimore Orioles (25-29) at Progressive Field. The Orioles won the last game 5-2 and Baltimore leads the series 1-0. Action begins at 4:10 p.m. ET on Saturday, Jun. 6 and can be seen on MASN2 and STO.
Salazar pitched 5.1 innings in his most recent start, surrendering three runs, striking out five and walking four in a 6-3 defeat to the Mariners. Jason Kipnis (.329, 39 Rs, 5 HRs, 27 RBIs, 7 SBs) went 1 for 4 yesterday with one RBI. Against the Indians, Jimenez is 0-2 with an 11.88 ERA, 2.04 WHIP, and eight strikeouts. Adam Jones (.310, 28 Rs, 8 HRs, 29 RBIs, 3 SBs) has been successful at the plate for the Orioles, going 2 for 4 yesterday with two runs, one home run, and two RBIs.
Cleveland is a -134 favorite against Baltimore and the Over/Under (O/U) for this game is sitting at eight runs. The Indians have an overall money line of -542 and a record as the favorite of 16-17. The Indians are one of the best in the MLB in terms of extra base hits with 165. Cleveland leads the whole AL in walks, earning an average of 3.8 per game. Turning to the pitchers, opponents have consistently been struck out by the Indians, who lead the AL in strikeouts per game with 9.6.
Over in the other dugout, Baltimore is coming in with an overall money line of -587 and a disappointing record of 8-17 as the underdog. They played poorly as the underdog over their last 10 games with a 1-4 record, and a 4-6 record SU. Offensively, the Orioles have really sputtered in the last 10 games. They have decreased their season average of 4.1 runs per game by averaging 3.0 during that stretch.
The Orioles have the edge in the season series, 1-0. The Indians have a 16-15 record against right-handed starting pitchers on the year, which is what they’ll be facing when Jimenez takes the mound. Salazar (RHP) will be on the hill against the Orioles, who have a 19-23 record against right-handed starting pitchers.
Predictions: SU Winner – CLE, O/U – Over
Notes
When the Orioles play into extra innings, they have a 1-1 record. The Indians are 1-2 when their games exceed nine innings.
The Orioles managed to give up four walks in their last game. They’ll have to pick it up against the Indians who are heading in with a 16-12 record against opponents who give up that many walks or more.
When they outhit their opponents, the Orioles are 19-6. The Indians have a 21-4 record when outhitting opponents.
Ranking 19th, Baltimore sits in the bottom half of the league in runs, scoring 222 this season. Cleveland ranks in the top 10 at 10th with 237.
Ranking first in walks, Cleveland has earned 206 this season. Baltimore ranks 22nd with 130 walks.
When the Indians hit at least one home run, they are 21-13, well-matched with the Orioles who are 21-14 when hitting one or more homers.
