Corey Kluber (14-8, 3.07 ERA) and Pat Dean (1-4, 6.24 ERA) are on the hill in the last of a three-game series between the Cleveland Indians (75-56) and the Minnesota Twins (49-83) at Progressive Field. The Twins lost the last game 5-4, continuing a 12-game losing streak. Action begins at 7:10 p.m. ET on Wednesday, Aug. 31 and can be seen on STOh and FSN.
Kluber pitched 6.0 innings in his most recent start, surrendering one run, striking out seven and walking two in a 12-1 win over the Rangers. Mike Napoli (.256, 79 Rs, 29 HRs, 88 RBIs, 4 SBs) went 1 for 3 yesterday. Dean went 3.0 innings, surrendering six runs, striking out one and walking one in a 15-8 defeat to the Blue Jays in his last outing. Brian Dozier (.270, 84 Rs, 31 HRs, 79 RBIs, 11 SBs) went 1 for 4 yesterday with one run, one home run, and one RBI.
This one isn’t expected to be close when Cleveland, a big -275 favorite, takes on Minnesota. The matchup has an estimated Over/Under (O/U) of eight runs. The Indians have recorded an overall money line of +377 and have shown high-level performance as a favorite this season with a record of 59-39. Cleveland has had an impressive season against division opponents, earning 27-15 and 34-17 records as the favorite and SU, respectively. The Indians have no trouble scoring as they rank third in the AL in offense with 4.9 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 105 bases. As for the pitchers, the Indians are the top team in the AL at limiting hits to their opponents, allowing only 8.2 hits per game so far this season. Opponents have consistently been struck out by the Indians, who rank third in the AL in strikeouts per game with 8.6.
Over in the other dugout, Minnesota is coming in with an overall money line of -2,284 and a disappointing record of 37-64 as the underdog. They have been on a bit of a dry streak over their last 10 games. They were winless, managing a 0-9 record when playing as the underdog. Offensively, the Twins have really sputtered in division games. They have decreased their season average of 4.5 runs per game by averaging 3.8 in those contests. The Twins allow 5.5 runs per game, but have damaged those numbers in the past 10 games, allowing 7.5 runs per game during that span.
The Twins lead the season series, 8-7. The Indians have a great 16-5 record at home (27-15 overall) against left-handed starting pitchers, which is what they’ll be facing when Dean takes the mound. Kluber (RHP) will be on the hill against the Twins, who have a inferior 34-63 record against right-handed starting pitchers.
Predictions: SU Winner – CLE, O/U – Over
Notes
The Twins lost their last game by a one-run margin. In games decided by one run, the Indians are 21-18. The Twins are 11-24 in close games this season.
The Cleveland batters brought in a solid nine hits last game. Minnesota has a record of 20-64 when their opponents get that many hits or more.
The Indians are coming into the game with two consecutive wins, while the Twins currently have a losing streak of 12.
When they outhit their opponents, the Twins are 36-11. The Indians have a 59-7 record when outhitting opponents.
Ranking 14th in runs, Minnesota has earned 599 this season. Cleveland ranks sixth with 638 runs.
Cleveland and Minnesota both rank in the top half of the league in walks. Cleveland sits at 15th with 403 this season and Minnesota ranks 12th with 413.
When the Indians hit at least one home run, they are 53-35. When the Twins hit at least one homer, they have a 40-45 record.
