Danny Salazar (9-6, 3.38 ERA) and CC Sabathia (4-8, 5.34 ERA) start in the second of a three-game series between the Cleveland Indians (52-59) and the New York Yankees (61-50) at Progressive Field. The Indians won the last game 5-4 and Cleveland leads the series 1-0. Action begins at 7:10 p.m. ET on Wednesday, Aug. 12 and can be seen on STOh and YES.
Salazar pitched 6.0 innings in his last outing, surrendering one run, striking out seven and walking two in a 4-3 defeat to the Angels. Michael Brantley (.316, 48 Rs, 8 HRs, 62 RBIs, 12 SBs) continued his strong play yesterday, going 3 for 6 with one run and one RBI. Sabathia went 6.0 innings, surrendering one run, striking out eight and walking three in a 2-1 defeat to the Red Sox in his most recent start. Alex Rodriguez (.273, 64 Rs, 24 HRs, 63 RBIs, 1 SB) went 1 for 6 yesterday.
Cleveland is a -131 favorite against New York and the Over/Under (O/U) for this game is sitting at eight runs. The Indians have an overall money line of -2,025 and a record as the favorite of 35-38. Cleveland leads the whole AL in walks, earning an average of 3.4 per game. As for the pitchers, opponents have consistently been struck out by the Indians, who lead the AL in strikeouts per game with 8.9.
In games where it is the underdog, New York has a 23-23 record and an overall money line of +87. Offensively, they average four runs per game on the road, which is second in the AL. The Yankees are tough outs for opponents, ranking fourth in the AL with 8.6 hits per road game.
The Indians have the edge in the season series, 1-0. The Indians have a bad 4-14 record at home (13-24 overall) against left-handed starting pitchers, which is what they’ll be facing when Sabathia takes the mound. Salazar (RHP) will be on the hill against the Yankees, who have a 40-36 record against right-handed starting pitchers.
Predictions: SU Winner – Cle, O/U – Over
Notes
When leading after 7 innings, New York is 26-29, while Cleveland is 16-19.
The Yankees are coming off of a hot pitching game where they recorded 14 strikeouts. The Indians have a record of 1-3 when they are struck out that many times or more.
When they are outhit, the Indians are 8-45. The Yankees have an 11-38 record when opponents outhit them.
Cleveland ranks near the bottom of the league at 23rd when it comes to home runs, hitting 92 this season. New York ranks in the top five at third with 149.
Ranking 10th, Cleveland is in the top 10 of the league in hits, notching 8.51 per game. New York ranks in the top five at fifth with 8.82.
Ranking 12th, Cleveland is in the top half of the league for its on-base plus slugging percentage (.715). New York ranks in the top five at fifth with an OPS of .756.
When the Yankees allow at least one home run, they are 31-39. When the Indians allow one or more homers, they have a 31-48 record.
