Detroit Tigers (86-76) vs. Cleveland Guardians (92-69)
The clash between the Detroit Tigers and the Cleveland Guardians is set to unfold in an electrifying Game 1 of the ALDS on Saturday at Progressive Field. The Guardians have clinched a slightly better season record, standing at 92-69, against the Tigers’ commendable 86-76. As the postseason tension ramps up, this matchup promises a gripping contest, reflecting the latest MLB picks.
The Tigers, who have come off a 12-3 win streak in their last 15 games, come into this matchup with a decent combination of players and recent form, although they have not enjoyed much success against the Guardians in the past. Detroit has proved they are not pushovers at the plate with a .234 team batting average, 682 runs scored and 162 dingers this season. This season, their pitching has a commendable amateur ERA of 3.61, and their 1.16 WHIP for the bullpen speaks volumes about their ability to put games to bed.
In some sense, the Cleveland Guardians have a marginally improved batting average of .238 and have hit 185 home runs, outdoing the Tigers, which speaks volumes about their capability to make the big hits. Their on-base percentage of .307 and a slugging percentage of .395 will be marginally better than Detroit’s putting edge of the sport for them. Nevertheless, their form in their recent games does raise concerns as they have won 2 out of 6 of their last games, raising doubts on their performance under pressure.
Detroit Tigers vs. Cleveland Guardians Game Info
| When: | Saturday, October 5, 2024 at 1:08 PM ET |
| Where: | Progressive Field |
| TV: | TBS, ESPN |
| Stream: | MLB.TV |
Reese Olson (4-8 W-L, 3.53 ERA) vs. Tanner Bibee (12-8 W-L, 3.47 ERA)
Though Reese Olson has a rather unflattering win-loss record, he has been a steady presence on the mound with a 3.53 ERA in over 112.1 innings, surely biding his time to more positive advances. Olson has a 1.18 WHIP and has struck out 101 batters so he relishes pressure situations and knows how to get critical outs. All that being said, he is rather prone to the big fly with 7 HR given up and this may be a cause for concern against the powerful Guardians.
Turning to Tanner Bibee, for Cleveland, he has a better season record of 12-8 and a slightly better ERA of 3.47 than that of his opponent. His numbers have solidified those positive feelings: 187 K in 173.2 IP is a very good number, paired with just a 1.12 WHIP. The experience of Bibee and his ability to silence hitters may also benefit the Guardians, particularly for games where he seems to enjoy striking out batters by the dozen.
MLB Odds/Point Spread: Cleveland Guardians -140, Total Odds: 7.5
The betting odds favor the Cleveland Guardians at -140 on the moneyline, suggesting confidence in their ability to capitalize on their home field advantage and recent head-to-head success against Detroit. The total set at 7.5 points, with the trends indicating a lean towards the UNDER, mirrors the expected pitcher’s duel in this matchup.
Detroit Tigers Betting Trends
Detroit’s recent games have predominantly stayed UNDER the total, indicating their games tend to be lower-scoring, which could be crucial in tight playoff contests. Their impressive road record (9-1 in their last 10) could be a pivotal factor, as they seem to find extra motivation away from home.
Cleveland Guardians Betting Trends
Similarly, Cleveland has seen the total go UNDER in their last five games, and notably in home settings, signaling strong pitching and defense. However, their inconsistency in the tail-end of the season could be a point of concern for bettors leaning their way.
Detroit Tigers vs. Cleveland Guardians 10/5/24 Betting Picks
Considering both teams’ pitching strengths and recent UNDER trends, a low-scoring affair might be on the cards. However, Detroit’s resilience on the road and their ability to step up in crucial games give them a slight edge as the underdogs. The Tigers’ robust bullpen could very well stifle the Guardians’ hitters enough to secure a tight victory.
Expect a closely contested game, potentially swinging in favor of the underdog Tigers. For those looking into prop bets or seeking the best online casino offerings, considering an UNDER on the total and a moneyline play on Detroit could offer value, as postseason games often tighten up, making every run precious.
