Trevor Bauer (3-2, 4.34 ERA) and Cole Hamels (5-1, 3.34 ERA) start in the last of a three-game series between the Cleveland Indians (26-24) and the Texas Rangers (31-21) at Progressive Field. The Rangers won the last game 7-3, and Texas leads the series 2-0. Action begins at 6:10 p.m. ET on Wednesday, Jun. 1 and can be seen on STOh and FSSW.
Bauer pitched 6.0 innings in his most recent start, surrendering three runs, striking out four and walking two in a 6-4 defeat to the Orioles. Carlos Santana (.227, 25 Rs, 9 HRs, 25 RBIs, 3 SBs) went 1 for 3 yesterday. Hamels went 4.2 innings, surrendering six runs (one unearned), striking out five and walking two in a 9-1 defeat to the Pirates in his last outing. Ian Desmond (.297, 38 Rs, 7 HRs, 32 RBIs, 10 SBs) went 1 for 4 yesterday with one run and two RBIs.
The odds for Cleveland and Texas are even, while the Over/Under (O/U) is currently not available. The Indians have seen an uptick in scoring as of late, averaging 0.0 runs during the last 10 games compared to their season average of 0.0 runs per game. Cleveland is one of the best in the MLB in terms of steals, swiping 37 bases. Cleveland’s pitching staff has been doing better against opposing offenses during the last 10 games, only allowing an average of 0.0 runs per game, well under their season average of 0.0.
Offensively, the Rangers have really picked up the pace in the last 10 games. They have exceeded their season average of 0.0 runs per game by averaging 0.0 during that stretch. The Rangers allow 0.0 runs per game, but have improved upon those numbers in the past 10 games, allowing 0.0 runs per game during that span. The Rangers have established a reputation of overwhelming hitters with an AL-best 6.9 strikeouts per game.
The Rangers have the edge in the season series, 2-0.
Predictions: SU Winner – CLE
Notes
The Indians are coming into this game after allowing no walks during their last outing. The Rangers have a 2-0 record when opponents don’t give up any walks.
It looks like the Rangers have a slight leg up on the Indians, as the Rangers have won their last four games while the Indians have lost their last three.
When they outhit their opponents, the Indians are 17-5. The Rangers have an 18-2 record when outhitting opponents.
Both falling in the top 10 of the league based on total runs this season, Cleveland ranks ninth with 238 runs and Texas is eighth with 246.
Ranking 26th, Texas is near the bottom of the league in walks, notching 130 this season. Cleveland ranks in the top half at 12th with 170.
When the Indians hit at least one home run, they are 15-17. When the Rangers hit at least one homer, they have a 24-12 record.
