Mike Clevinger (0-1, 6.97 ERA) and Matt Shoemaker (6-12, 4.07 ERA) start in the third of a four-game series between the Cleveland Indians (65-48) and the Los Angeles Angels (49-66) at Progressive Field. The Angels lost the last game 13-3, continuing an eight-game losing streak. Action begins at 7:10 p.m. ET on Saturday, Aug. 13 and can be seen on FS1.
Clevinger pitched 4.1 innings in his most recent start, surrendering two runs, striking out three and walking four in a 9-2 win over the Twins. Mike Napoli (.261, 75 Rs, 29 HRs, 83 RBIs, 4 SBs) went 1 for 4 yesterday. Shoemaker went 7.0 innings, surrendering three runs and striking out three in a 3-1 defeat to the Mariners in his last outing. Mike Trout (.312, 90 Rs, 22 HRs, 75 RBIs, 18 SBs) went 1 for 4 yesterday with one run.
Cleveland is a -140 favorite against Los Angeles and the Over/Under (O/U) for this game is sitting at nine runs. The Indians have an overall money line of +483 and a record as the favorite of 49-34. 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 9.1 per game. Cleveland is one of the best in the MLB in terms of steals, swiping 92 bases. Cleveland’s pitching staff has been doing poorly against opposing offenses during the last 10 games, allowing an average of 6.7 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 -1,636 and a disappointing record of 25-43 as the underdog. They have been on a bit of a dry streak over their last 10 games. They managed a 0-5 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 6.1 per game. The Angels allow 4.8 runs per game, but have damaged those numbers in the past 10 games, allowing 6.2 runs per game during that span.
The Indians lead the season series, 4-1. The Indians have a 43-37 record against right-handed starting pitchers on the year, which is what they’ll be facing when Shoemaker takes the mound. Clevinger (RHP) will be on the hill against the Angels, who have a 34-48 record against right-handed starting pitchers.
Predictions: SU Winner – CLE, O/U – Over
Notes
Los Angeles recorded at least two errors for the 17th time this season.
The Indians are coming into this matchup after a high-scoring game where they scored a whopping 13 runs. The Angels have a 0-4 record when opponents score that many runs or more.
The Indians are coming into the game with two consecutive wins, while the Angels currently have a losing streak of eight.
When they outhit their opponents, the Angels are 40-10. The Indians have a 51-6 record when outhitting opponents.
Ranking 13th, Los Angeles sits in the top half of the league in runs, scoring 524 this season. Cleveland ranks in the top five at fourth with 578.
Ranking 18th, Los Angeles is in the bottom half of the league in walks, notching 336 this season. Cleveland ranks in the top half at 13th with 359.
When the Indians hit at least one home run, they are 48-30. When the Angels hit at least one homer, they have a 35-36 record.
