The Cleveland Guardians (19-23) are on the road to face the Chicago White Sox (16-28) at Guaranteed Rate Field on Thursday with the home team looking for a sweep of the three-game series.
The White Sox lead the series 2-0 after winning 7-2 on Wednesday. Mike Clevinger went six innings for the win, allowing two runs on six hits.
Jake Burger went 3 for 4 with a home run and a triple in the win. He drove in two runs. Steven Kwan was 1 for 3 with a double and one run for the Guardians.
ON THE MOUND
Logan Allen (1-1, 3.43 ERA) is slated to start for Cleveland. The LHP allowed three runs over 4.1 innings in his last start, a 5-4 home defeat against the Angels on Friday. He scattered eight hits while striking out five and walking two in the no-decision.
For Chicago, righty Dylan Cease (2-2, 4.86 ERA) will toe the rubber. It’s his first appearance of the season against the Guardians. Cease made four appearances against the Guardians in 2022, all starts, striking out 19 and walking nine over 23 innings (2-1, 1.96).
In his last start on Saturday, Cease took a no-decision at home against the Astros. He threw six scoreless innings and gave up four hits, striking out five and walking two in the 3-1 victory.
AT THE PLATE
Over the last five games, Cleveland has averaged 4.2 runs a game, a small gain compared to their season average of 3.5. Against righties like Cease this season, the Guardians have a .646 OPS, second lowest in the league. Jose Ramirez is the team’s strongest hitter against right-handers with a .926 OPS in 96 at-bats.
Chicago is averaging only 4.4 runs per game in the last five, consistent with their season average. The Sox have a .742 OPS against southpaws in 2023. With a .469 OPS over 34 at-bats, Elvis Andrus has been their best hitter against left-handers.
HOME AND AWAY
Cleveland is on a four-game losing streak in road games, bringing their record to 10-11 in 2023. The Guardians have scored 4.1 runs per game away from home, while allowing 4.5 runs.
Chicago has gone 9-12 at Guaranteed Rate Field this season, averaging 4.5 runs per game while surrendering 6.1. The AL Central rivals have split their last 10 games head-to-head at Guaranteed Rate Field, though Cleveland has the scoring advantage with an average final margin of 5.0-4.7.
STANDINGS UPDATE
The Guardians are third in the AL Central, four games behind the division-leading Twins. The White Sox are fourth in the AL Central, eight games behind the Twins.
SportsTips’ MLB Pick:
Cleveland Guardians (+120)
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*Odds correct at time of publication, courtesy of BetMGM.
