Logan Allen is in line for his first start of the season as the Cleveland Guardians (10-11) match up against the Miami Marlins (12-9) at Progressive Field on Sunday with the visitors in position for a sweep of the three-game Interleague series.
The Marlins swept Saturday’s series-opening doubleheader. After taking the opening game 6-1, Miami followed up with a 3-2 win in game two.
Braxton Garrett got the win, giving up one run on five hits over 5.2 innings, and A.J. Puk picked up his fourth save with a scoreless ninth. Garrett Hampson was 2 for 4 with a double, one run, and two RBIs in the win. Oscar Gonzalez went 2 for 4 with a double and one RBI for the Guardians.
ON THE MOUND
Jesus Luzardo (2-0, 2.74 ERA) is slated to get the start for Miami. The southpaw allowed three runs over 4.1 innings in his last start, a 4-3 road win over the Giants on Monday. He scattered six hits while striking out six and walking two in the no-decision. LHP Allen takes the mound for Cleveland, his season debut.
AT THE PLATE
Over the last five games, Miami has averaged 3.8 runs a game, a small gain compared to their season average of 3.2. Against left-handed pitchers like Allen this season, the Fish have a .759 OPS. Garrett Cooper is the team’s most potent producer against left-handers with a 1.522 OPS in 15 at-bats.
Cleveland is averaging only 1.8 runs per game in the last five, down from 4.0 for the season, with their slash line dropping across the board (.183/.247/.248). The Guardians have a .634 OPS against left-handers in 2023. With a 1.163 OPS over 13 at-bats, Mike Zunino has been their best hitter against left-handers.
HOME AND AWAY
Miami is on a four-game winning streak in road games, bringing their record to 5-3 in 2023. The Fish have scored 4.4 runs per game away from home, while allowing 5.0 runs. Cleveland has lost four in a row in front of their home fans.
The Guardians are 2-6 at home this season, averaging 2.9 runs per game while surrendering 5.0. In the last 10 games at Progressive Field between the teams, each club has won five, though Cleveland has the scoring advantage with an average final margin of 3.7-3.2.
STANDINGS UPDATE
The Marlins are third in the NL East, two games behind the division-leading Braves. The Guardians are second in the AL Central, one games behind the Twins.
SportsTips’ MLB Pick:
Cleveland Guardians (-115)
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*Odds correct at time of publication, courtesy of BetMGM.
