The Cleveland Guardians (40-42) are on the road to face the Chicago Cubs (38-43) at Wrigley Field on Sunday with the three-game Interleague series in the balance.
The Guardians evened up the series 1-1 after winning 6-0 on Saturday. Tanner Bibee threw 5.2 scoreless innings – striking out nine – to get the win.
Jose Ramirez was 2 for 4 with one run in the win, extending his on-base streak to 12 games. Cody Bellinger went 3 for 4 with a double for the Cubs.
ON THE MOUND
Aaron Civale (2-2, 3.18 ERA) is in line to get the start for Cleveland. The right-hander allowed four runs over six innings in his last start, a 5-4 home defeat against the Brewers on June 25. He scattered six hits while striking out five and walking two in the no-decision.
For Chicago, right-hander Jameson Taillon (2-6, 6.90 ERA) takes the mound. It’s his first appearance of the season against the Guardians. Taillon made one start against the Guardians in 2022, throwing five innings for the Yankees in a 4-1 home win on April 22.
He gave up seven hits while striking out five in the win. In his last start on Tuesday, Taillon took the loss at home against the Phillies. He threw five innings and gave up five runs on seven hits, striking out eight and walking one in the 5-1 defeat.
AT THE PLATE
Over the last five games, Cleveland has averaged 5.2 runs a game, up from their season average of 4.0, while slashing better across the board (.261/.332/.389). Against right-handed pitchers like Taillon this season, the Guardians have a .692 OPS.
Ramirez is the team’s best performer against right-handers with a .980 OPS in 209 at-bats. Chicago is averaging only 3.4 runs per game in the last five, down from 4.6 for the season, with their slash line dropping across the board (.243/.281/.373).
The Cubs have a .714 OPS against right-handers in 2023. With a .830 OPS over 213 at-bats, Ian Happ has been their best hitter against right-handers.
HOME AND AWAY
Cleveland is 20-23 in away games in 2023, scoring 4.4 runs per game while allowing 4.3 runs. Chicago has gone 21-21 at their home park this season, averaging 4.6 runs per game while surrendering 4.2.
In the last 10 games at Wrigley Field between the teams, each club has won five, though Cleveland has the scoring advantage with an average final margin of 3.9-3.2.
STANDINGS UPDATE
The Guardians are second in the AL Central, one game behind the division-leading Twins. The Cubs are fourth in the NL Central, five games behind the Brewers.
SportsTips’ MLB Pick:
Cleveland Guardians (-115)
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*Odds correct at time of publication, courtesy of BetMGM.
