Ivan Nova (5-4, 3.57 ERA) and Josh Tomlin (0-1, 2.84 ERA) start in the first of a four-game series between the New York Yankees (67-52) and the Cleveland Indians (55-64) at Yankee Stadium. Action begins at 7:05 p.m. ET on Thursday, Aug. 20 and can be seen on STOh and YES.
Nova pitched 7.0 innings in his last outing, surrendering three runs, striking out three and walking one in a 4-3 win over the Blue Jays. Tomlin went 6.1 innings, surrendering two runs and striking out five in a 4-1 defeat to the Twins in his most recent start. Michael Brantley (.317, 51 Rs, 9 HRs, 65 RBIs, 13 SBs) has been successful at the plate, going 3 for 4 yesterday with one run.
New York is a -155 favorite against Cleveland and the Over/Under (O/U) for this game is sitting at eight runs. The Yankees have recorded an overall money line of +512 and have shown high-level performance as a favorite this season with a record of 42-26. New York is an impressive 4-1 as the favorite over its last 10 games.
In the other locker room, Cleveland is coming in with an overall money line of -2,055 and a disappointing record of 16-24 as the underdog. They have been on a bit of a dry streak over their last 10 games. They managed a 0-3 record when playing as the underdog. Offensively, the Indians have really picked up the pace in the last 10 games. They have exceeded their season average of 4.0 runs per game by averaging 5.5 during that stretch. Cleveland is excellent at drawing walks with an AL-best 3.4 per game. When it comes to preventing batters from getting on base, the Indians are one of the best in the league with a WHIP of 1.20 for the season. The Indians have established a reputation of overwhelming hitters with an AL-best 8.8 strikeouts per game.
The Indians lead the season series, 2-1. The Yankees have a 45-39 record against right-handed starting pitchers on the year, which is what they’ll be facing when Tomlin takes the mound. Nova (RHP) will be on the hill against the Indians, who have a 41-37 record against right-handed starting pitchers.
Predictions: SU Winner – NYY, O/U – Over
Notes
The Yankees are coming into this game after allowing two walks during their last outing. The Indians have an 11-28 record when opponents give up that many walks or fewer.
It looks like the Yankees have a slight leg up on the Indians, as the Yankees have won their last three games while the Indians have lost their last two.
When they outhit their opponents, the Indians are 46-9. The Yankees have a 45-6 record when outhitting opponents.
Ranking 20th, Cleveland sits in the bottom half of the league in runs, scoring 476 this season. New York ranks in the top five at second with 571.
New York and Cleveland both rank in the top five of the league in walks. New York sits at fifth with 392 this season and Cleveland ranks third with 404.
When the Yankees hit at least one home run, they are 58-32, well-matched with the Indians who are 41-25 when hitting one or more homers.
