Cleveland Guardians vs. Seattle Mariners March 31 Betting Preview

The Cleveland Guardians (0-1) look to rebound in the second game of a four-game set against the Seattle Mariners (1-0) on Friday night. Seattle defeated the Guardians 3-0 on Opening Day Thursday. Ty France scored all three runs on a three-run home run in the eighth inning, while Luis Castillo threw six innings of one-hit ball for the Mariners.

First pitch for Friday night's game is scheduled for 10:10 p.m. ET. Let's take a look at the starting pitchers and projected lineups.

Starting Pitchers

Hunter Gaddis (CLE) - A 24-year-old rookie, Gaddis is taking Triston McKenzie's spot in the Guardians rotation. McKenzie is expected to be out until at least May with a strained muscle in his shoulder. Gaddis, who won the final bullpen spot for the Guardians with a decent spring, had an 8-6 record and 4.01 ERA in 24 appearances in Double-A Akron and Triple-A Columbus last season.

Robbie Ray (SEA) - An American League Cy Young candidate, Ray won the award with the Toronto Blue Jays in 2021. He had a 12-12 record and 3.71 ERA in his first season in Seattle and allowed just 11 hits and two earned runs in 17 innings this spring.

Guardians Betting Preview

While it's too early for a deep dive into either team's stats and trends this season, it's worth noting Cleveland had just four hits in it's season opener last night. Cleveland had a tough spring too, finishing with a 12-16 record in the Cactus League. It had a run differential of -20, which was fifth-worst in MLB.

The Guardians have had a winning record in nine of the last 10 seasons and should once again be a favorite in the AL Central. Expect a better showing on offense Friday, although they'll be in for a tough one against Ray.

Mariners Betting Preview

Seattle won its home opener Friday against Cleveland thanks in part to the new pitch clock timer. J.P. Crawford drew a walk in the eighth inning after being down 0-2 to Guardians pitcher James Karinchak, with the first ball being the result of a timer violation. France drove in Crawford and Kolten Wong on a three-run home run.

Seattle is expected to contend for the division crown in the AL West with the Houston Astros. They finished 14-13 in Cactus League competition with a plus-15 run differential. 

Guardians vs. Mariners Betting Odds And Prediction

Seattle is a -160 favorite with a -1.5 (+130) run line. Cleveland is a +140 underdog with a +1.5 (-150) run line. The over/under is 7.5. 

Don't expect Ray to give up much, although the Guardians should get on the scoreboard after being shut out on Thursday. Seattle, meanwhile, may rough up Gaddis, who had an inflated 18.41 ERA in 7.1 innings pitched with Cleveland last season. The over (-115) is a smart play here.