Cody Anderson (2-3, 4.31 ERA) and Jimmy Nelson (10-9, 3.60 ERA) are on the hill in the second of a two-game series between the Cleveland Indians (59-66) and the Milwaukee Brewers (53-73) at Progressive Field. The Indians won the last game 11-6 and Cleveland leads the series 1-0. Action begins at 7:10 p.m. ET on Wednesday, Aug. 26 and can be seen on STOh and FSWI.
Anderson pitched 2.2 innings in his most recent start, surrendering six runs, striking out two and walking one in a 10-9 defeat to the Twins. Jason Kipnis (.324, 71 Rs, 6 HRs, 41 RBIs, 11 SBs) had another good game yesterday, going 3 for 4 with three runs and two RBIs. Nelson went 5.1 innings, surrendering two runs, striking out four and walking two in a 10-3 win over the Nationals in his last outing. Ryan Braun (.278, 73 Rs, 23 HRs, 75 RBIs, 18 SBs) has been successful at the plate for the Brewers, going 2 for 4 yesterday with one run, one home run, and two RBIs.
Cleveland is a -165 favorite against Milwaukee and the Over/Under (O/U) for this game is sitting at seven runs. The Indians have an overall money line of -1,999 and a record as the favorite of 39-40. Against the NL, they have had a solid season, earning 6-3 and 10-8 records as the favorite and SU respectively. The Indians have seen a decline in scoring against teams in the NL, averaging 3.4 runs per game. They average 4.0 runs per game on the season. Cleveland leads the whole AL in walks, earning an average of 3.4 per game. Crossing over to the pitching staff, the Indians are the third-best team in the league at limiting hits and walks to their opponents, recording a WHIP of 1.20 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 the other locker room, Milwaukee is coming in with an overall money line of -1,895 and a disappointing record of 29-46 as the underdog. They played poorly as the underdog over their last 10 games with a 1-3 record, and a 5-5 record SU. Offensively, the Brewers have really picked up the pace in interleague games. They have exceeded their season average of 4.0 runs per game by averaging 4.6 in those contests.
The Indians lead the season series, 2-1. The Indians have a 43-39 record against right-handed starting pitchers on the year, which is what they’ll be facing when Nelson takes the mound. Anderson (RHP) will be on the hill against the Brewers, who have a 38-58 record against right-handed starting pitchers.
Predictions: SU Winner – Cle, O/U – Over
Notes
When leading after 7 innings, Milwaukee is 29-29, while Cleveland is 18-22.
The Brewers 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 29-21 record against opponents who give up that many walks or more.
When they outhit their opponents, the Brewers are 38-10. The Indians have a 50-10 record when outhitting opponents.
Ranking 22nd in runs, Milwaukee has earned 501 this season. Cleveland ranks 20th with 504 runs.
Cleveland ranks at the top of the league when it comes to walks with 428 this season. Milwaukee ranks near the bottom at 24th with 309.
When the Indians hit at least one home run, they are 44-26. When the Brewers hit at least one homer, they have a 40-28 record.
