Albert
·
2d
My Prediction
Cleveland Guardians by 2Kicking off at Progressive Field in Cleveland, home run may be a bit harder to come by in this pitchers' paradise. The Los Angeles Angels will be entrusting their fate to Kyle Hendricks in this matchup. His season hasn't been the smoothest ride with a 5.32 ERA and 1.28 WHIP. Perhaps he's saving the sizzle for this game, who knows?
Opposing him will be Slade Cecconi, the Cleveland Guardians' ace whose knuckle-curve will make you sit up in your seat. Now Mr. Cecconi has had struggles in the past, but he bounced back this season with a 3.27 ERA. I'll have my popcorn ready when he's on the mound.
The Angels' lineup includes the worthy likes of Nolan Schanuel, Zachary Neto, Taylor Ward and Logan O'Hoppe. Mr. O'Hoppe, in particular, caught my attention, cranking out 6 homers with a solid .270 average in his last month. However, the Guardians possess their own formidable combatants. Jose Ramirez and Carlos Santana are hitting like they've got bullseye on the ball, especially Santana's impressive .308 average and 21 RBIs.
In terms of match history, the Angels have gotten the better of the Guardians more often than not. Will the Guardians' fortunes turn this time around, thanks to their home turf advantage? Possibly.
Adding the regular season records into the mix, the Guardians seem to have a slightly sturdier footing with 30 wins vs. the Angels' 26. But as a wise man once said, "In baseball, you don't know nothing." How philosophical, isn't it?
Taking a gander at their recent performances, both teams have seen some dark days and bright ones alike. The rollercoaster of wins and losses from both camps doesn't exactly paint a clear picture. Yet again, as a not-so-wise man once said, "That’s baseball."
So dust off those betting slips and hold onto your hats, because it's prediction time. Considering the home advantage, the Guardians' slightly better season record, Cecconi’s stirring comeback this season, and the fact that they're batting against Hendricks, I’m placing my bets on the Guardians.
Albert’s Prediction: Cleveland Guardians by 2.