Josh Tomlin (7-0, 3.35 ERA) and Derek Holland (3-4, 5.21 ERA) start in the first of a three-game series between the Cleveland Indians (26-22) and the Texas Rangers (29-21) at Progressive Field. Action begins at 6:10 p.m. ET on Monday, May. 30 and can be seen on STOh and FSSW.
Tomlin pitched 8.0 innings in his most recent start, surrendering two runs, striking out six and walking one in a 6-2 win over the White Sox. Mike Napoli (.233, 31 Rs, 10 HRs, 35 RBIs, 2 SBs) went 1 for 3 yesterday with one run, one home run, and two RBIs. Holland went 6.2 innings, surrendering two runs, striking out four and walking one in a 2-0 defeat to the Angels in his last outing. Adrian Beltre (.271, 25 Rs, 9 HRs, 34 RBIs) went 1 for 3 yesterday with two runs.
The odds for Cleveland and Texas are even, while the Over/Under (O/U) is unavailable as of now. The Indians have seen an uptick in scoring as of late, averaging 0.0 runs during the last 10 games compared to their season average of 0.0 runs per game. Cleveland is one of the best in the MLB in terms of steals, swiping 37 bases. Cleveland’s pitching staff has been doing better against opposing offenses during the last 10 games, only allowing an average of 0.0 runs per game, well under their season average of 0.0.
Offensively, the Rangers have really picked up the pace in the last 10 games. They have exceeded their season average of 0.0 runs per game by averaging 0.0 during that stretch. The Rangers allow 0.0 runs per game, but have improved upon those numbers in the past 10 games, allowing 0.0 runs per game during that span. The Rangers have established a reputation of overwhelming hitters with an AL-best 7.0 strikeouts per game.
Predictions: SU Winner – CLE
Notes
The Indians managed to give up four walks in their last game. They’ll have to pick it up against the Rangers who are coming in with a 10-3 record against opponents who give up that many walks or more.
When they are outhit, the Indians are 4-13. The Rangers have a 10-16 record when opponents outhit them.
Cleveland and Texas both rank in the bottom half of the league in home runs. Cleveland sits at 16th with 52 home runs this season and Texas ranks 18th with 51.
Cleveland and Texas both rank in the top half of the league in hits. Cleveland sits at 13th with 8.75 hits per game and Texas ranks 12th with 8.76.
Cleveland and Texas both rank in the top half of the league for their on-base plus slugging percentage. Cleveland sits at 13th with an OPS of .736, and Texas ranks 15th with an OPS of .732.
The Rangers are 17-19 when they allow at least one home run. The Indians perform similarly when they allow one or more homers with a 16-18 record.
