Josh Tomlin (11-8, 4.70 ERA) and Andrew Albers (0-0, 4.32 ERA) take the hill in the second of a three-game series between the Cleveland Indians (74-56) and the Minnesota Twins (49-82) at Progressive Field. The Twins lost the last game 1-0, continuing an 11-game losing streak. Action begins at 7:10 p.m. ET on Tuesday, Aug. 30 and can be seen on STOh and FSN.
Tomlin pitched 4.1 innings in his most recent start, surrendering eight runs (one unearned), striking out five and walking two in a 9-0 defeat to the Rangers. Mike Napoli (.255, 79 Rs, 29 HRs, 88 RBIs, 4 SBs) went 1 for 2 yesterday. Albers went 2.1 innings, surrendering two and striking out one in a 15-8 defeat to the Blue Jays in his last outing. Brian Dozier (.270, 83 Rs, 30 HRs, 78 RBIs, 11 SBs) went 1 for 4 yesterday.
This one isn’t expected to be close when Cleveland, a big -215 favorite, takes on Minnesota. The matchup has an estimated Over/Under (O/U) of nine 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 104 bases. Turning to 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, 8-6. 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 Albers takes the mound. Tomlin (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
In their last game, the Twins lost by a margin of one run. The Indians are 20-18 in one-run games. The Twins have an 11-23 record in close games.
Minnesota has won 45% (27-33) of its games when leading after seven innings. However, Cleveland has won 53% (28-25) of its games when taking a late lead.
The Twins didn’t score any runs in their last game. The Indians have a 10-0 record when they don’t allow any runs.
When they outhit their opponents, the Twins are 36-10. The Indians have a 59-7 record when outhitting opponents.
Ranking 14th in runs, Minnesota has earned 595 this season. Cleveland ranks seventh with 633 runs.
Ranking 16th, Cleveland is in the bottom half of the league in walks, notching 395 this season. Minnesota ranks in the top half at 12th with 410.
When the Indians hit at least one home run, they are 52-35. When the Twins hit at least one homer, they have a 40-44 record.
