Corey Kluber (11-8, 3.16 ERA) and Jhoulys Chacin (3-7, 5.27 ERA) start in the first of a four-game series between the Cleveland Indians (63-48) and the Los Angeles Angels (49-64) at Progressive Field. The Angels come into this series in the midst of a six-game losing streak. Action begins at 7:10 p.m. ET on Thursday, Aug. 11 and can be seen on STOh and FSW.
Kluber pitched 8.0 innings in his most recent start, surrendering two, striking out eight and walking one in a 5-2 win over the Yankees. Mike Napoli (.253, 72 Rs, 28 HRs, 79 RBIs, 4 SBs) went 1 for 3 yesterday with one run. Chacin went 1.0 inning, surrendering zero runs and striking out one in an 8-6 defeat to the Mariners in his last outing. Mike Trout (.312, 88 Rs, 21 HRs, 74 RBIs, 18 SBs) went 1 for 4 yesterday with one stolen base.
This one isn’t expected to be close when Cleveland, a big -230 favorite, takes on Los Angeles. The matchup has an estimated Over/Under (O/U) of eight runs. The Indians have an overall money line of +383 and a record as the favorite of 48-34. The Indians have no trouble scoring as they rank second in the AL in offense with 5.0 runs per game. The Indians are one of the best in the AL in terms of hits with a phenomenal 9.0 per game. Cleveland is one of the best in the MLB in terms of steals, swiping 83 bases. Cleveland’s pitching staff has been doing poorly against opposing offenses during the last 10 games, allowing an average of 6.3 runs per game, well above its season average of 4.2.
As for their opponent, Los Angeles is coming in with an overall money line of -1,436 and a disappointing record of 25-41 as the underdog. They played poorly as the underdog over their last 10 games with a 1-4 record and a 3-7 record SU. Offensively, they average four runs per game on the road, which is fourth in the AL. The Angels are tough outs for opponents, leading the AL with 9.4 hits per road game. Los Angeles is excellent at not striking out on the road with an AL-low 6.1 per game.
The Indians lead the season series, 2-1. The Indians have a 42-37 record against right-handed starting pitchers on the year, which is what they’ll be facing when Chacin takes the mound. Kluber (RHP) will be on the hill against the Angels, who have a 34-46 record against right-handed starting pitchers.
Predictions: SU Winner – CLE, O/U – Over
Notes
The Indians are coming into this game after allowing one walk during their last outing. The Angels have a 4-23 record when opponents give up one walk or less.
When they are outhit, the Angels are 6-49. The Indians have an 8-34 record when opponents outhit them.
Los Angeles ranks near the bottom of the league at 25th when it comes to home runs, hitting 107 this season. Cleveland ranks in the top 10 with 145.
Cleveland and Los Angeles both rank in the top five of the league in hits. Cleveland sits at fourth with 9.01 hits per game and Los Angeles ranks third with 9.04.
Ranking 15th, Los Angeles is in the top half of the league for its on-base plus slugging percentage (.738). Cleveland ranks in the top 10 at seventh with an OPS of .764.
The Angels are 27-52 in games where they allow one or more home runs. The Indians are 38-42 when they allow at least one homer.
