Corey Kluber (6-12, 3.60 ERA) and the Cleveland Indians (50-59) meet Phil Hughes (10-7, 4.14 ERA) and the Minnesota Twins (55-55) in the last of a three-game division series at Progressive Field. The Indians won the last game 17-4 and the series is currently tied 1-1. The game starts at 1:10 p.m. ET on Sunday, Aug. 9 and will air on STOh and FSN.
In his last start, Kluber pitched 5.2 innings, giving up five runs and striking out four in a 5-4 loss to the Angels. Michael Brantley (.309, 46 Rs, 8 HRs, 61 RBIs, 12 SBs) played well again yesterday, going 3 for 4 with two runs, one RBI, and one stolen base. The Twins were also unsuccessful the last time Hughes pitched. He tossed 5.2 innings, allowing three runs, striking out three and walking two in a 3-1 loss to the Blue Jays. Eddie Rosario (.278, 37 Rs, 6 HRs, 26 RBIs, 9 SBs) has been doing well, going 2 for 4 yesterday with two runs, one home run, and one RBI.
Cleveland, a -170 favorite, will look to capitalize at home against Minnesota. The Over/Under (O/U) for the matchup is seven runs. The Indians are 33-38 as the favorite and have an overall money line of -2,225. They have not performed well against their division, earning an SU record of 15-29 and a 9-21 record when they were the favorite. Cleveland’s pitching staff has put it all together in the past 10 games. Its average runs allowed per game dropped to 3.1 during that span, compared to its 4.2 season average. The Indians don’t give up many hits to opposing batters, ranking fifth in the AL with only 8.2 hits allowed per game. The have been extremely effective at striking opposing batters out, leading the AL with 8.9 strikeouts per game.
On the other side, the Twins have a record of 43-45 when they are the underdog and are +1,160 overall with the money line. They have played poorly as the underdog as of late. They managed a 1-7 record when playing as the underdog and an SU record of 3-7. The last 10 games have really brought the worst out of the Minnesota pitchers. They allowed 6.2 runs per game during that span, which is higher than their season average of 4.4.
The Twins have mostly come out on top against the Indians in their previous eight games this season, earning a 5-3 record. This game will feature Hughes (RHP) on the mound against the Indians, who have a 36-35 record when they take on a right-handed starter. Taking the hill against the Twins will be the right-hander Kluber. They sport a 34-36 record against righties.
Predictions: SU Winner – Cle, O/U – Over
Notes
The Indians won their last game by a 13-run margin. In games decided by a margin of 10 runs or more, the Twins are 4-4. The Indians are 3-1 in blowouts this season.
The Indians are coming off of a hot pitching game where they recorded 12 strikeouts. The Twins have a record of 0-7 when they are struck out that many times or more.
When they are outhit, the Indians are 8-45. The Twins have a 9-48 record when opponents outhit them.
Ranking 22nd in home runs, Cleveland has hit 91 this season. Minnesota ranks 17th with 99 home runs.
Ranking 11th, Minnesota is in the top half of the league in hits, notching 8.30 per game. Cleveland ranks in the top 10 at 10th with 8.36.
Ranking 19th, Minnesota is in the bottom half of the league for its on-base plus slugging percentage (.703). Cleveland ranks in the top half at 14th with an OPS of .713.
When the Twins allow at least one home run, they are 31-43. When the Indians allow one or more homers, they have a 30-48 record.
