Detroit Tigers vs. Cleveland Guardians: Odds, Picks, and Predictions
The Detroit Tigers and Cleveland Guardians are set to clash in Game 3 of their best-of-three AL Wild Card Series. This decisive game will take place at Progressive Field in Cleveland. With the series tied at 1-1, the winner will advance to the next round.
Game Overview: Tigers vs. Guardians
The matchup is pivotal, as both teams aim to secure their spot in the postseason. The first pitch is scheduled for 3:08 p.m. ET, broadcast on ABC. Cleveland redeemed themselves in Game 2 with a decisive 6-1 victory.
Recent Performances
In Game 2, Cleveland took an early lead in the first inning, thanks to a solo home run from outfielder George Valera. This marked Valera’s first home run in Major League Baseball.
The Tigers equalized in the fourth inning, with shortstop Javier Baez driving in the lone run for Detroit. Baez concluded the game with two hits in four at-bats.
As the game progressed, the Guardians broke the tie in the eighth inning, hitting two home runs from Brayan Rocchio and Bo Naylor.
Player Highlights
- George Valera: Solo home run (1st MLB home run)
- Javier Baez: 2-for-4 with one RBI
- Brayan Rocchio: Solo home run in the eighth inning
- Bo Naylor: Three-run home run in the eighth inning
Probable Pitchers
The projected starters for this crucial game are:
- Detroit Tigers: RHP Jack Flaherty (8-15, 4.64 ERA)
- Cleveland Guardians: RHP Slade Cecconi (7-7, 4.30 ERA)
Flaherty has struggled recently, losing 15 games during the season and failing to secure a win against the Guardians in three previous starts. Conversely, Cecconi has performed better against the Tigers this year, achieving a 2-1 record in his last seven games.
Betting Odds
According to BetMGM Sportsbook, the current odds for the game are as follows:
- Moneyline: Tigers +100 | Guardians -120
- Run Line: Tigers -1.5 (+170) | Guardians +1.5 (-210)
- Over/Under: 7 (O: -118 | U: -102)
Expert Predictions
Experts predict a tight game, favoring the Guardians with a forecasted score of Guardians 6, Tigers 3. Given Flaherty’s recent struggles, many analysts anticipate a challenging outing for him. The favorable odds for the Guardians indicate a strong chance to clinch the series.
As the game approaches, fans eagerly await the outcome, with Detroit seeking to leverage their historic success in Wild Card series, having won 18 out of 20 times when Game 1 is won.
