Corey Kluber (8-16, 3.62 ERA) and Craig Breslow (0-3, 4.22 ERA) start in the second of a three-game series between the Cleveland Indians (79-80) and the Boston Red Sox (78-82) at Progressive Field. The Indians won the last game 8-2 and Cleveland leads the series 1-0. Action begins at 7:10 p.m. ET on Saturday, Oct. 3 and can be seen on STOh and NESN.
Kluber pitched 6.0 innings in his last outing, surrendering four runs, striking out six and walking three in a 4-2 defeat to the Twins. Breslow went 4.0 innings, surrendering zero runs, striking out two and walking two in an 8-0 defeat to the Orioles in his most recent start. David Ortiz (.272, 73 Rs, 37 HRs, 107 RBIs) went 1 for 3 yesterday with one run, one home run, and two RBIs.
The odds for Cleveland and Boston are even, while the Over/Under (O/U) is unavailable as of now. Cleveland is one of the best in the AL in terms of walks, earning an average of 3.3 per game. Crossing over to the pitching staff, 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.
The Red Sox have a dynamic offense, ranking fifth in the league with 485 extra base hits. The Red Sox allow 4.7 runs per game, but have improved upon those numbers in the past 10 games, allowing 3.2 runs per game during that span.
The Indians have a 56-50 record against right-handed starting pitchers on the year, which is what they’ll be facing when Breslow takes the mound. Kluber (RHP) will be on the hill against the Red Sox, who have a 57-58 record against right-handed starting pitchers.
Predictions: SU Winner – Cle
Notes
Cleveland is 2-4 SU in its last 6 games.
Cleveland is 17-8 SU in its last 25 games at home.
The total has gone OVER in 18 of Cleveland’s last 25 games at home.
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Cleveland’s last 5 games when playing Boston.
Cleveland is 4-2 SU in its last 6 games when playing Boston.
Cleveland is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games when playing at home against Boston.
The total has gone OVER in 6 of Cleveland’s last 8 games when playing at home against Boston.
When leading after 7 innings, Cleveland is 29-27, while Boston is 38-41.
The Red Sox managed to give up seven walks in their last game. They’ll have to pick it up against the Indians who are heading in with a 13-2 record against opponents who give up that many walks or more.
When they outhit their opponents, the Indians are 67-14. The Red Sox have a 63-9 record when outhitting opponents.
Ranking 18th in runs, Cleveland has earned 664 this season. Boston ranks third with 747 runs.
Ranking 13th, Boston is in the top half of the league in walks, notching 473 this season. Cleveland ranks in the top 10 at sixth with 530.
When the Indians hit at least one home run, they are 60-32. When the Red Sox hit at least one homer, they have a 59-45 record.
