Pittsburgh Pirates vs
Cleveland GuardiansPredictions & Preview

Guardians Look to Secure AL Central Division Lead in Interleague Matchup Against Pirates

The Pittsburgh Pirates will face off against the Cleveland Guardians in an interleague matchup on Friday night in Cleveland. The Pirates, currently in last place in the NL Central Division, will be looking to play spoiler for the Guardians, who are fighting for the top spot in the AL Central Division and a bye in the first round of the playoffs. The pitching matchup will feature Bailey Falter for the Pirates and Ben Lively for the Guardians. First pitch is scheduled for 7:10 pm EST, with Cleveland opening as the betting favorite.

Betting Odds

• Moneyline: Pirates +131 | Guardians -146
• Spread: Pirates +1.5 (-155) | Guardians -1.5 (+135)
• Total: Over/Under 9 (-110)
• Based on the moneyline, the implied probability that Cleveland will win straight-up is 59%.

Pittsburgh vs Cleveland Stats

Pittsburgh Pirates

The Pittsburgh Pirates have had a challenging season, with a recent slump leading them to last place in their division. Their pitching staff struggled in a series against the Cubs, allowing a total of 41 runs in three losses. Despite this, they are looking to bounce back in Cleveland, starting with Falter on the mound. The team is facing key injuries to multiple players, impacting their performance. With a current power ranking of 26, the Pirates are ranked 23 in offense and 18 in defense, with a record of 62-71 for the season. For more MLB picks and insights, visit the provided link.

Cleveland Guardians Analysis

The Cleveland Guardians have been dominant in the American League Central Division for most of the 2024 season but are now facing a challenge from the surging Royals. After dropping the first three games of a series, the Guardians were able to retake the division lead with a 7-5 win, thanks to a go-ahead run by rookie Jhonkensy Noel. They are now looking to secure their second AL Central Division title in three seasons and will rely on righty Ben Lively in their upcoming series opener against the Pirates. Despite some key injuries, the Guardians have a strong offense and defense, ranking #13 in offense and #6 in defense. The team has a power ranking of 21 and an overall record of 76-58. Their recent matchup against the Pirates resulted in Pittsburgh winning two out of three games.

Cleveland Guardians in Critical Position to Secure Wins and Take the Lead in AL Central Division Race

The Cleveland Guardians are currently in a critical position, needing to secure victories in their upcoming games as they compete against the Kansas City Royals for the top spot in the AL Central Division, with less than 30 games left in the season. Unlike the Royals, who are facing the formidable Houston Astros, the Guardians have an opportunity to gain ground by playing against the Pittsburgh Pirates, a team with a less impressive record. Starting pitcher Lively has consistently delivered strong performances this season, allowing the Guardians to rely on their talented bullpen. With a record of three wins in Lively's last five starts, the Guardians are in a strong position to take advantage of the struggling Pirates' pitching staff. It is advisable to bet on the Cleveland Guardians with the money line.

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