In the second of a three-game series between the Cleveland Indians (31-35) and the Tampa Bay Rays (31-35) at Progressive Field, Corey Kluber (3-8, 3.54 ERA) and Erasmo Ramirez (6-2, 4.45 ERA) get the start. The Rays won the last game 4-1 and Tampa Bay leads the series 1-0. The game gets underway at 7:10 p.m. ET on Saturday, Jun. 20 and will air on SunSports and STO.
In his last start, Kluber pitched 5.0 innings, allowing two runs, striking out two and walking one in an 8-1 loss to the Tigers. Jason Kipnis (.341, 46 Rs, 5 HRs, 28 RBIs, 10 SBs) continued his strong season yesterday, going 3 for 4 with one run. In his pitching opportunities against the Indians, Ramirez is 1-0 with a 5.68 ERA, four strikeouts and four walks. Joey Butler (.336, 17 Rs, 6 HRs, 19 RBIs, 4 SBs) has been doing well offensively for the Rays, going 2 for 4 yesterday with one run, one home run, and one RBI.
Cleveland is a considerable -190 favorite at home and the Over/Under (O/U) for this matchup is set at seven runs. The Indians are 20-23 as the favorite and have an overall money line of -1,013. Cleveland has been struggling as of late. In the last 10 games, Cleveland has only averaged 3.0 runs per game compared to the 4.1 they’ve averaged on the season. They have been very patient at the plate, leading the AL with an average of 3.7 walks per game. Transitioning to the pitching staff, they have been extremely effective at striking opposing batters out, leading the AL with 9.4 strikeouts per game.
On the other side, the Rays have a record of 19-16 when they are the underdog and are +715 overall with the money line. The Rays are a problem for opposing batters, sporting an AL-low 2.91 ERA on the road this season. They also average just 7.4 hits allowed per road game, best in the AL.
So far this season, the Rays are 1-0 against the Indians. This game will feature Ramirez (RHP) on the mound against the Indians, who have a 20-19 record when they take on a right-handed starter. The right-handed Kluber will take the mound against the Rays, who have a 24-22 record against righty starters this season.
Predictions: SU Winner – CLE, O/U – Over
Notes
The Rays are 2-2 in games that go into extra innings. Meanwhile, the Indians are 1-2 in such matchups.
The Rays are coming off of a hot pitching game where they recorded nine strikeouts. The Indians have a record of 5-9 when they are struck out that many times or more.
When they outhit their opponents, the Indians are 25-5. The Rays have a 26-5 record when outhitting opponents.
Ranking 24th in runs, Tampa Bay has earned 260 this season. Cleveland ranks 19th with 270 runs.
Ranking first in walks, Cleveland has earned 246 this season. Tampa Bay ranks 18th with 185 walks.
When the Indians hit at least one home run, they are 24-15, well-matched with the Rays who are 27-16 when hitting one or more homers.
