Trevor Bauer (8-5, 3.88 ERA) and Jered Weaver (8-9, 5.19 ERA) are on the hill in the last of a four-game series between the Cleveland Indians (66-48) and the Los Angeles Angels (49-67) at Progressive Field. The Angels lost the last game 5-1, continuing a nine-game losing streak. Cleveland can finish out the series sweep with a win in this game. Action begins at 1:10 p.m. ET on Sunday, Aug. 14 and can be seen on STOh, FSW and TBS.
Bauer pitched 6.1 innings in his last outing, surrendering zero runs, striking out four and walking two in a 3-1 win over the Nationals. Mike Napoli (.263, 76 Rs, 29 HRs, 83 RBIs, 4 SBs) continued his strong play yesterday, going 2 for 4 with one run. Weaver went 5.0 innings, surrendering five runs (one unearned), striking out three and walking two in a 5-1 defeat to the Cubs in his most recent start.
This one isn’t expected to be close when Cleveland, a substantial -190 favorite, takes on Los Angeles. The Over/Under (O/U) is sitting at nine runs for this matchup. The Indians have an overall money line of +583 and a record as the favorite of 50-34. The Indians have no trouble scoring as they rank second in the AL in offense with 5.1 runs per game. The Indians are one of the best in the AL in terms of hits with an impressive 9.1 per game. Cleveland is one of the best in the MLB in terms of steals, swiping 93 bases. Cleveland’s pitching staff has been doing poorly against opposing offenses during the last 10 games, allowing an average of 5.8 runs per game, well above its season average of 4.2. The Indians are the top team in the AL at limiting hits to their opponents, allowing only 8.3 hits per game so far this season.
In the other locker room, Los Angeles is coming in with an overall money line of -1,736 and a disappointing record of 25-44 as the underdog. They have been on a bit of a dry streak over their last 10 games. They managed a 0-6 record when playing as the underdog. Offensively, they average four runs per game on the road, which is fifth in the AL. Los Angeles is excellent at not striking out on the road with an AL-low 6.2 per game. The Angels allow 4.8 runs per game, but have damaged those numbers in the past 10 games, allowing 7.0 runs per game during that span.
The Indians have controlled the season series, 5-1. The Indians have a 43-37 record against right-handed starting pitchers on the year, which is what they’ll be facing when Weaver takes the mound. Bauer (RHP) will be on the hill against the Angels, who have a 34-49 record against right-handed starting pitchers.
Predictions: SU Winner – CLE, O/U – Over
Notes
When leading after seven innings, Cleveland is 26-24, while Los Angeles is 20-32.
Having scored one run in their last game, the Angels are going to have to step it up if they want to win this matchup. The Indians have a 25-0 record in games where opponents scored one run or less.
When they are outhit, the Angels are 6-52. 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 110 this season. Cleveland ranks in the top 10 with 150.
Ranking sixth, Los Angeles is in the top 10 of the league in hits, notching 8.98 per game. Cleveland ranks in the top five at third with 9.13.
Ranking 16th, Los Angeles is in the bottom half of the league for its on-base plus slugging percentage (.733). Cleveland ranks in the top five with an OPS of .773.
When the Angels allow at least one home run, they are 27-54. When the Indians allow one or more homers, they have a 40-42 record.
