Hot-hitting Josh Naylor will be looking to extend his 10-game hitting streak as the Cleveland Guardians (+140) host the Houston Astros (-165) at Progressive Field on Sunday with the three-game series in the balance.
The early total was set at 8 (O: -120 | U: +100). The Astros (37-28) leveled the series 1-1 after winning 6-4 on Saturday. Starter J.P. France went 6.2 innings to get the win, allowing three runs on seven hits, and Ryan Pressly earned his 12th save.
Jose Abreu was 2 for 5 with a home run and three RBIs in the win. Amed Rosario went 1 for 3 with a double and one run for the Guardians (30-34).
ON THE MOUND
Brandon Bielak (3-2, 3.35 ERA) is set to take the mound for Houston. The right-hander allowed three runs over 6.2 innings in his last start, an 11-4 home win over the Blue Jays on Monday. He got the win, giving up 10 hits while striking out two and walking one.
For Cleveland, right-hander Shane Bieber (4-3, 3.57 ERA) gets the start. It’s his first appearance of the season against the Astros.
In his last start on Tuesday, Bieber took a no-decision at home against the Red Sox. He threw 5.2 innings and gave up one run on five hits, striking out two and walking one in the 5-4 loss.
AT THE PLATE
Over the last five games, Houston has averaged 4.0 runs a game, a small drop compared to their season average of 4.6. Against right-handed pitchers like Bieber this season, the ‘Stros have a .700 OPS. Yordan Alvarez is the team’s strongest performer against right-handers with a .948 OPS in 131 at-bats.
Cleveland is averaging 6.6 runs per game in the last five, up from 3.8 for the season, with a higher slash line (.311/.373/.495). The Guardians have a .667 OPS against right-handers in 2023, the fifth lowest in the league. With a .930 OPS over 162 at-bats, Jose Ramirez has been their best hitter against right-handers.
HOME AND AWAY
Houston is 19-14 away from home in 2023, scoring 4.7 runs per game while allowing 3.6 runs. Cleveland has gone 15-17 in front of their home fans this season, averaging 3.4 runs per game while surrendering 4.0. Houston is 7-3 in the last 10 games at Progressive Field between the teams with an average scoreline of 5.1-3.2.
STANDINGS UPDATE
The Astros are second in the AL West, five games behind the division-leading Rangers. The Guardians are second in the AL Central, two games behind the Twins.
SportsTips’ MLB Pick:
Cleveland Guardians (-120)
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*Odds correct at time of publication, courtesy of BetMGM.
