Hot-hitting Josh Naylor will be looking to extend his 13-game hitting streak as the Cleveland Guardians (31-36) face off against the San Diego Padres (33-34) at Petco Park on Thursday with the home team eyeing a sweep of the three-game Interleague series.
The Padres lead the series 2-0 after winning 5-0 on Wednesday. Michael Wacha threw 6.2 scoreless innings for the win. Fernando Tatis Jr. went 3 for 4 with a home run and two doubles in the win over the Guardians. He scored two runs. Nelson Cruz added a solo home run.
ON THE MOUND
Logan Allen (3-2, 3.31 ERA) is in line for the start for Cleveland. The left-hander allowed five runs over six innings in his last start, a 10-9 road win over the Astros on Friday.
He scattered nine hits while striking out four and walking two in the no-decision. For San Diego, lefty Ryan Weathers (1-4, 4.93 ERA) takes the mound. It’s his first appearance of the season against the Guardians.
In his last start on Saturday, Weathers took a no-decision on the road against the Rockies. He threw three innings and gave up one run on three hits, striking out two, in the 3-2 win.
AT THE PLATE
Over the last five games, Cleveland has averaged 4.4 runs a game, a small gain compared to their season average of 3.8. Against lefties like Weathers this season, the Guardians have a .668 OPS, third lowest in the league. Andres Gimenez is the team’s most potent producer against left-handers with a .890 OPS in 61 at-bats.
San Diego is averaging 5.4 runs per game in the last five, up from 4.3 for the season, with an improved slash line (.279/.354/.558). The Padres have a .773 OPS against left-handers in 2023. With a 1.141 OPS over 47 at-bats, Tatis Jr. has been their best hitter against left-handers.
HOME AND AWAY
Cleveland is 15-19 away from Progressive Field in 2023, scoring 4.1 runs per game while allowing 4.4 runs. San Diego has won three in a row in front of their home fans.
The Padres are 17-18 at home this season, averaging 4.1 runs per game while surrendering 3.6. Cleveland is 4-3 in seven games between the teams at Petco Park with an average scoreline of 3.3-2.3.
STANDINGS UPDATE
The Guardians are second in the AL Central, three games behind the division-leading Twins. The Padres are fourth in the NL West, seven games behind the Diamondbacks.
SportsTips’ MLB Pick:
SD Padres (-125)
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*Odds correct at time of publication, courtesy of BetMGM.
