Cleveland Guardians vs. Minnesota Twins June 23 Betting Preview

After a ferocious comeback that saw the Cleveland Guardians score seven runs in the last three innings Wednesday night to secure a victory, the Guardians hold sole possession of first place in the AL Central. Having already won the series, the Guardians (36-28) and Minnesota Twins (38-32) will face off at Target Field in the finale Thursday afternoon with first pitch scheduled for 1:10 p.m.

The final score of Wednesday’s contest was 11-10. In the win, Triston McKenzie struggled, giving up six runs in 4.1 innings of work. After the offense mounted their comeback, Sam Hentges was credited with the win in relief.

Offensively, Amed Rosario had a big night going four for five with a home run, two runs batted in, and two runs scored. In total, the Guardians scored their 11 runs on 15 hits.

Carlos Correa had a nice night for the Twins as he hit two home runs. Gio Urshela also came up big as he went three for four with a home run, three runs batted in, and three runs scored.

Guardians vs. Twins June 23rd Betting Odds

The Twins are the favorites in the finale playing at home. They are -144 to win while the Guardians’ moneyline sits at +122. The runline features Cleveland +1.5 (-160), and the over/under for total runs is 10.

You can bet on the Guardians vs. Twins June 23rd matchup for free in Ohio using betJACK Training Camp.

Pitching Matchup

Zach Plesac will take the ball for Cleveland in the finale. In 12 starts, he is 2-4 with a 4.41 ERA, 1.28 WHIP, and has 44 strikeouts in 67.1 innings. He has taken no-decisions in his last two outings despite giving up just four runs in 12 innings combined.

The Twins will look to 26-year-old lefty Devin Smeltzer to try to salvage the finale. He is 3-1 with a 3.52 ERA, 1.15 WHIP, and has 19 strikeouts in 38.1 innings. He did get roughed up in his last start, giving up six runs on nine hits in 4.1 innings of work.

Guardians Try To Extend Divisional Lead

With their win on Wednesday, the Guardians took outright control of the AL Central as they hold a one-game lead over the Twins. Trying not to hand it right back, the Guardians will look to extend their divisional lead Thursday.

In 26 combined at bats against Smeltzer, the Guardians’ offense collectively has six hits, no home runs, and three runs batted in. They will look to get to the young Twins’ starter in the finale.

Against lefties this season, Jose Ramirez has had the most success. In 67 at bats versus southpaws, he is hitting .254/.333/.478 with three home runs and 13 runs batted in.

Owen Miller has also hit well with two home runs and 13 runs batted in while posting a .250/.338/.433 line.

Twins Trying To Reclaim First Place

After a game where the Twins saw a 10-7 lead slip away in the ninth inning, Minnesota has to regroup to at least salvage the finale. If they can do that, they will at least reclaim a share of first place before traveling to Cleveland for five games next week.

The Twins’ offense has had some success against righty Zach Plesac. Byron Buxton, Carlos Correa, and Max Kepler have all homered off of him.

Furthermore, in 42 total at bats, Minnesota hitters have a combined 11 hits. Knowing that they will be operating with a tired bullpen after Wednesday’s debacle, the offense will try to do its part by putting up a crooked number on the scoreboard.

Guardians Have A Great Opportunity To Sweep

The Cleveland Guardians have done an outstanding job of securing another series win, but this is the time that they need to get greedy. Against a Twins team that likely won’t go away anytime soon, creating any separation would be a huge plus for the Guardians right now.

While Smeltzer has been solid for Minnesota this season, he isn’t untouchable. The Guardians’ offense should be able to scratch across some runs against the lefty.

With that in mind, if Zach Plesac can minimize the damage against a potent Twins lineup, the Guardians have a good chance to sweep and have a happy flight as they return home to Cleveland to host the Red Sox over the weekend.