Trevor Bauer (8-8, 3.98 ERA) and Ervin Santana (2-2, 3.89 ERA) start in the second of a three-game series between the Cleveland Indians (49-59) and the Minnesota Twins (55-54) at Progressive Field. The Twins won the last game 10-9 and Minnesota leads the series 1-0. Action begins at 7:10 p.m. ET on Saturday, Aug. 8 and can be seen on STOh and FSN.
Bauer pitched 6.2 innings in his most recent start, surrendering one run, striking out six and walking four in a 2-1 defeat to the Athletics. Michael Brantley (.304, 44 Rs, 8 HRs, 60 RBIs, 11 SBs) had another good game yesterday, going 2 for 5 with two runs and three RBIs. Santana went 6.0 innings, surrendering three runs, striking out two and walking three in a 5-1 defeat to the Blue Jays in his last outing. Brian Dozier (.249, 78 Rs, 24 HRs, 58 RBIs, 9 SBs) has been successful at the plate for the Twins, going 2 for 5 yesterday with two runs, one home run, and one RBI.
Cleveland is a -145 favorite against Minnesota and the Over/Under (O/U) for this game is sitting at seven runs. The Indians have an overall money line of -2,225 and a record as the favorite of 33-38. Cleveland has had a discouraging season against division opponents, earning records of 9-21 and 15-29 as the favorite and SU respectively. Cleveland’s pitching staff has been doing better against opposing offenses during the last 10 games, only allowing an average of 3.1 runs per game, well under their season average of 4.2. The Indians are the fourth-best team in the AL at limiting hits to their opponents, allowing only 8.2 hits per game so far this season. Opponents have consistently been struck out by the Indians, who lead the AL in strikeouts per game with 8.9.
In games where it is the underdog, Minnesota has a 43-45 record and an overall money line of +1,160. They played poorly as the underdog over their last 10 games with a 1-7 record, and a 3-7 record SU. The Twins allow 4.4 runs per game, but have damaged those numbers in the past 10 games, allowing 6.2 runs per game during that span.
The Twins have controlled the season series, 5-2. The Indians have a 36-35 record against right-handed starting pitchers on the year, which is what they’ll be facing when Santana takes the mound. Bauer (RHP) will be on the hill against the Twins, who have a 34-36 record against right-handed starting pitchers.
Predictions: SU Winner – Cle, O/U – Over
Notes
The Twins won their last game by a one-run margin. In games decided by one run, the Indians are 10-16. The Twins are 15-14 in close games this season.
The Indians are coming into this game after allowing two walks during their last outing. The Twins have a 25-38 record when opponents give up that many walks or fewer.
When they are outhit, the Indians are 8-45. The Twins have a 9-47 record when opponents outhit them.
Cleveland ranks near the bottom of the league at 22nd when it comes to home runs, hitting 89 this season. Minnesota ranks in the bottom half at 18th with 96.
Ranking 12th, Minnesota is in the top half of the league in hits, notching 8.24 per game. Cleveland ranks in the top 10 at 10th with 8.31.
Cleveland and Minnesota both rank in the bottom half of the league for their on-base plus slugging percentage. Cleveland sits at 16th with an OPS of .706 and Minnesota ranks 20th with an OPS of .702.
The Twins are 31-42 in games where they allow one or more home runs. The Indians are 29-48 when they allow at least one homer.
