Josh Tomlin (2-1, 3.26 ERA) and Jered Weaver (6-9, 4.59 ERA) start in the last of a three-game series between the Cleveland Indians (62-66) and the Los Angeles Angels (65-64) at Progressive Field. The Indians won the last game 8-3 and Cleveland leads the series 2-0. Action begins at 1:10 p.m. ET on Sunday, Aug. 30 and can be seen on STOh and FSW.
Tomlin pitched 6.0 innings in his most recent start, surrendering four runs and striking out seven in an 11-6 win over the Brewers. Michael Brantley (.324, 57 Rs, 11 HRs, 72 RBIs, 14 SBs) continued his strong play yesterday, going 3 for 4 with two runs. Weaver went 5.2 innings, surrendering six runs and striking out one in an 8-7 win over the Tigers in his last outing.
Cleveland is a -125 favorite against Los Angeles and the Over/Under (O/U) for this game is sitting at eight runs. The Indians have an overall money line of -1,699 and a record as the favorite of 42-40. Cleveland is an impressive 3-1 as the favorite over its last 10 games. The Indians are the fourth-best team in the league at limiting hits and walks to their opponents, recording a WHIP of 1.19 so far this season.
As for their opponent, Los Angeles is coming in with an overall money line of -453 and a disappointing record of 17-34 as the underdog. They have been on a bit of a dry streak over their last 10 games. They managed a 0-4 record when playing as the underdog. Offensively, the Angels have really sputtered in the last 10 games. They have decreased their season average of 4.0 runs per game by averaging 2.9 during that stretch. The Angels have a dynamic offense, ranking fourth in the league with 338 extra base hits. The Angels allow 4.0 runs per game, but have damaged those numbers in the past 10 games, allowing 6.2 runs per game during that span.
The Indians lead the season series, 3-2. The Indians have a 45-39 record against right-handed starting pitchers on the year, which is what they’ll be facing when Weaver takes the mound. Tomlin (RHP) will be on the hill against the Angels, who have a 46-48 record against right-handed starting pitchers.
Predictions: SU Winner – Cle, O/U – Over
Notes
The Indians managed to give up four walks in their last game. They’ll have to pick it up against the Angels who are coming in with a 27-12 record against opponents who give up that many walks or more.
It looks like the Indians have a slight leg up on the Angels, as the Indians have won their last four games while the Angels have lost their last two.
When they outhit their opponents, the Angels are 46-14. The Indians have a 53-10 record when outhitting opponents.
Ranking 23rd in runs, Los Angeles has earned 513 this season. Cleveland ranks 19th with 521 runs.
Ranking 20th, Los Angeles is in the bottom half of the league in walks, notching 352 this season. Cleveland ranks in the top five at second with 440.
The Indians are 46-26 when they hit at least one home run. The Angels perform similarly when they hit one or more homers with a 51-31 record.
