The Boston Red Sox (13-14) host the Cleveland Guardians (13-13) at Fenway Park on Saturday. The Guardians took Friday’s series opener 5-2. Starter Shane Bieber got the win, allowing two runs on five hits over seven innings, and Emmanuel Clase earned his ninth save with a scoreless ninth.
Will Brennan was 1 for 3 with a home run and two runs in the win. Kike Hernandez went 2 for 4 with one run and one RBI for the Red Sox.
ON THE MOUND
Zach Plesac (1-1, 6.50 ERA) is set to take the mound for Cleveland. The RHP allowed three runs over five innings in his last start, a 3-2 road defeat against the Marlins on April 22. He took the loss, yielding 10 hits while striking out five and walking two.Plesac is making his first appearance against the Red Sox this season.
Plesac made one start against the Red Sox in 2022, a 3-1 road loss on July 25. He surrendered three runs on three hits over five innings, striking out four and walking three. RHP Brayan Bello (0-1, 9.82 ERA) gets the start for Boston.
It’s his first appearance of the season against the Guardians. In his last start on Sunday, Bello took a no-decision on the road against the Brewers. He threw 4.2 innings and gave up three runs on five hits, striking out three and walking two in the 12-5 victory.
AT THE PLATE
Over the last five games, Cleveland has averaged 3.4 runs a game, a small drop compared to their season average of 3.8. Against righties like Bello this season, the Guardians have a .666 OPS. Jose Ramirez is the team’s strongest performer against right-handers with a .986 OPS in 64 at-bats.
Boston is averaging 5.6 runs per game in the last five, up slightly from 5.5 for the season. The Sox have a .760 OPS against right-handers in 2023. With a .563 slugging percentage over 71 at-bats, Rafael Devers has been their best power hitter against right-handers.
HOME AND AWAY
Cleveland is 9-5 away from home in 2023, scoring 4.6 runs per game while allowing 3.9 runs. Boston has gone 7-7 in front of their home fans this season, averaging 5.5 runs per game while surrendering 5.6. Cleveland is 6-4 in the last 10 games between the teams at Fenway Park with an average scoreline of 6.3-4.9.
STANDINGS UPDATE
The Guardians are second in the AL Central, two games behind the division-leading Twins. The Red Sox are fifth in the AL East, nine games behind the Rays.
SportsTips’ MLB Pick:
Cleveland Guardians (+115)
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*Odds correct at time of publication, courtesy of BetMGM.
