Minnesota Twins vs. Cleveland Guardians September 16 Betting Preview

After having their six-game winning streak snapped on Thursday, the Cleveland Guardians (76-66) will look to start a new one as they host the Minnesota Twins (72-70) in the first of a five-game series starting on Friday. This game will be played at Progressive Field with first pitch scheduled for 7:10 p.m.

The Twins were able to finish a three-game sweep of the Kansas City Royals Thursday. After Dylan Bundy allowed two runs in four innings, the bullpen threw five scoreless innings to secure the victory. Carlos Correa and Nick Gordon both homered in the victory.

In a makeup game, the Guardians dropped their matchup to the White Sox Thursday. The Guardians’ Hunter Gaddis gave up seven runs and five home runs to Chicago in the loss. Myles Straw had three hits and a run in the defeat.

The Guardians opened as the favorites playing at home Friday. They are (-143) to win, while the Twins’ moneyline sits at (+125). The runline features Minnesota +1.5 (-193), and the over/under for total runs is 7.5.

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Pitching Matchup

The Twins will turn to righty Bailey Ober in the first of this five-game series. In seven games, he is 1-2 with a 4.01 ERA, 1.28 WHIP, and he has 29 strikeouts in 33.2 innings.

Terry Francona will counter with righty Triston McKenzie. He is 10-11 in 27 games with a 3.05 ERA, 0.97 WHIP, and has 159 strikeouts in 165.1 innings.

Twins Trying To Cut Into Deficit

Currently trailing the Guardians by four games, the Twins are hoping to take advantage of this long series to cut into their deficit. They are also looking for some redemption after being swept in a three-game series in Minnesota last week.

Keep an eye on Carlos Correa in this one. Not only has he been red hot as of late, but he has great numbers against McKenzie in his career. In 11 at bats, he is hitting .364 with two home runs.

Gio Urshela has also hit McKenzie well. He is 6 for 12 with two home runs and four runs batted in throughout his career against the righty.

Guardians Have Opportunity To Put Away Twins

Playing five games over the next four days, the Guardians have to be salivating at the opportunity to create massive separation from the Twins with just 20 games left to play this season. Still, the Guardians can’t take this for granted as their next eight games are against the Twins and White Sox, and it could redefine how the AL Central shakes out.

Triston McKenzie will try to replicate his last start. In seven innings, he shut out the Twins last week for his 10th victory of the season. In the win, he gave up six hits and struck out five.

Offensively, this will be the first time the Guardians have faced the Twins’ Ober. Overall, Jose Ramirez continues to be the Guardians’ best hitter. In 526 at bats, he is hitting .279/.354/.527 with 27 home runs, 111 runs batted in, 79 runs scored, and 15 stolen bases.

Trends Support Guardians

Both teams know how important this series is for their postseason odds. Still, the odds support the Guardians in this one.

Not only are the Twins just 2-10 in their last 12 road games, but they are 0-5 in their last five games against Cleveland.

If McKenzie can cool down the Twins’ bats, the Guardians have a great opportunity at taking the opener on Friday.