Cleveland Guardians vs. Minnesota Twins 8/9/24 – As the MLB season continues to move towards the playoffs, every single game begins to take on a lot of weight, especially for teams in AL Central standings like the Cleveland Guardians (67-47) and Minnesota Twins (63-50). Set to be played on Friday, at Target Field beginning at 8:10 PM ET, this game will likely have an impact on both sides. This has been highlighted by top exclusive handicappers in their predictions as the outcome is likely to affect divisional races a lot.
Cleveland Guardians vs. Minnesota Twins 8/9/24 Game Info |
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| When: | Friday, August 9, 2024 at 8:10 PM ET |
| Where: | Target Field |
| TV: | ATV+ |
| Stream: | MLB.TV |
Cleveland Guardians (67-47) vs. Minnesota Twins (63-50)
A commendable record this season accompanies the Cleveland Guardians into this game with solid team statistics but a recent rocky performance streak. With a .242 batting average and a .401 slugging percentage, both of which are good but not at the top of the league. Their pitching staff has kept up a strong 3.77 ERA and 1.22 WHIP that show how they can limit opponents’ scores. However, recently their performance is dwindling down exemplified by their last 0-5 SU record in their last 5 games. This could be an issue for people watching the St Louis Cardinals vs. Kansas City Royals game today, yet another match-up where pitching may make or break.
On the other hand, the Minnesota Twins show slightly more aggressive offensive play with .252 batting average and .427 slugging percentage. They have outdone Guardians in runs, hits and home runs which might be significant in today’s game. The Twins also have a slightly worse ERA of 4.18 but better WHIP at 1.18 indicating that they allow fewer base runners per inning than many teams do so with this statistical advantage, it can come in handy to them just like it will be sought after during the Chicago Cubs and Chicago White Sox game today.
Alex Cobb (0-0, 0.00 ERA) vs. Louie Varland (0-4, 6.58 ERA)
Alex Cobb who is a starting pitcher for Cleveland has a combination of dependability and susceptibility when he takes to the mound. Last season, Cobb had a 3.87 ERA in 151.1 innings, showing that he can handle innings and strike out many batters as well. However, his 1.32 WHIP suggests he sometimes lets hitters get on base easily. Cobb’s experience and poise in big moments will be crucial in containing the lineup of Minnesota.
Louie Varland on the other hand offers more concerns with a 6.58 ERA over just 26 innings pitched and his WHIP of 1.65 is also worrisome too for Minnesota Twins fans. His playoff inexperience are evident so far this year but playing against Guardians could act as a turning point or another game where things go wrong again. The Guardians will have to watch out for free passes by monitoring Varland’s control and number of walks, otherwise they allow him an opportunity to give them away without earning them themselves at all cost .
MLB Odds/Point Spread: Cleveland Guardians -1.5 +154, Total Odds: 8.5
The betting odds reflect a tight contest, with the Guardians slightly favored despite recent losses. The total over/under set at 8.5 with tendencies leaning slightly towards over, suggests expectation of runs despite both teams’ recent under performances in several games.
Cleveland Guardians Betting Trends
Cleveland has been struggling lately but they show an interesting pattern in their matchups against Minnesota, with a 6-0 SU record in their last 6 games against them. Historically, they have managed to pull through against the Twins, especially at Target Field where the total has gone UNDER in 7 of the last 8 meetings. These trends might influence bettors to lean towards an under total despite the overall over trend in recent games.
Minnesota Twins Betting Trends
Minnesota, while solid at home with a 5-1 SU record in their last 6 games, shows inconsistency against Cleveland specifically. The total going UNDER in 5 of their last 6 against the Guardians is a trend that might hold considering both teams’ recent pitching stats and the specific matchup history at Target Field.
Cleveland Guardians vs. Minnesota Twins 8/9/24 Betting Picks
Based on historical trends and recent performances, our last thinking tends towards a close game with the Guardians possibly bouncing back against a team they’ve had an historical edge over. Under on total points appears to be a safer bet given the pitching matchup and what is happening at Target Field. If you are considering some prop bets, then looking at individual performance bets for Guardians’ hitters might make sense considering how Twins’ pitcher Varland has been doing badly.
Anyone seeking for some MLB game day insights needs to pay attention because today’s match-up is one of those games where if you really want to win some money through strategic betting or keen analysis, this is the best candidate.