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Guardians Aim to Capitalize on Pirates’ Struggles

Progressive Field has a contest on tap as the Pirates and the Guardians will both be trying to pick up a win.

(Photo by Getty Images) Ben Lively

Pittsburgh (62-71) at Cleveland (76-58)

  • When: Aug 30 2024, 7:10 PM
  • Where: Progressive Field, Cleveland
  • Where to watch: SportsNet PT

Game Odds, Spread, Moneyline & Total

Pittsburgh Pirates @ Cleveland Guardians
Moneyline

Pittsburgh Pirates   +132
Cleveland Guardians   -158

Pittsburgh Pirates @ Cleveland Guardians
Runline

Pittsburgh Pirates   1.5 (-150)
Cleveland Guardians   -1.5 (+130)

Pittsburgh Pirates @ Cleveland Guardians
Total

Over   9.0 (-115)
Under   9.0 (-105)

Probable Pitchers:
Pittsburgh: Bailey Falter (6-7, 4.25)
Cleveland: Ben Lively (11-8, 3.62)

Team Stats

Pirates   Guardians
62-71 Record 76-58
30-35 Away & Home 35-34
4-6 Last 10 4-6
L3 Streak W1

Game Preview

This week, the Cleveland Guardians rallied from a three-run deficit to reclaim the top spot in the American League Central.

Despite winning only four of their last 13 games, the Guardians hope to extend their narrow lead as they host the Pittsburgh Pirates in a three-game series starting Friday.

Cleveland sparked their comeback with a four-run seventh inning in Wednesday’s 7-5 win against the Kansas City Royals, turning a 5-2 shortfall into a victory. Key hits from Bo Naylor, Josh Naylor, Will Brennan, and rookie Jhonkensy Noel helped secure the series finale win.

Cleveland’s manager Stephen Vogt celebrated the rally, noting, "That inning captured our essence—scoring big, especially with two outs, which we’ve excelled at all year."

The Guardians’ key players like Steven Kwan, Andres Gimenez, Jose Ramirez, and Josh Naylor were pivotal on Wednesday, combining for seven hits, four RBIs, and four runs.

Closer Emmanuel Clase nailed down his 26th consecutive save, tying the franchise record for most saves.

Bo Naylor expressed confidence in Clase, noting his critical role in tight games and adding, "It’s reassuring to have him secure our wins."

The Guardians will send Ben Lively (11-8, 3.62 ERA) to the mound on Friday. The 32-year-old right-hander seeks to build on a recent win against the Texas Rangers, his first since early August. Lively has a 3.38 ERA in past appearances against Pittsburgh.

Pittsburgh’s Bailey Falter (6-7, 4.25 ERA) will oppose Lively. Falter narrowly escaped a loss in his last start, yielding five runs over five innings against the Cincinnati Reds. He has never pitched against the Guardians before.

The Pirates are trying to overcome a rough patch, having allowed 41 runs in their last three games and 54 in the past five, going 1-4 in that span.

Pittsburgh’s recent struggles were highlighted by a loss to the Chicago Cubs, where they squandered a seven-run lead. Pirates manager Derek Shelton voiced his frustration, emphasizing the need for better execution.

Bryan Reynolds and Connor Joe, along with Rowdy Tellez, provided some offensive highlights in their last game, but the team seeks more consistency.

Joe reflected on the team’s challenges, urging less pressure and more focus on competing from pitch to pitch.

Pirates outfielder Oneil Cruz heads into Friday’s game riding a nine-game hitting streak and a 20-game stretch of reaching base.

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MLB Parlay Picks & Predictions

Final Score: Cleveland 6-4
Expert Pick: Cleveland -158 & Over 9 (-115)
A $100 Parlay Bet will return $305

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