Cleveland Guardians vs Pittsburgh Pirates 7/17/2023 Expert Picks, Tips and Odds
The Cleveland Guardians and Pittsburgh Pirates will face off in an MLB interleague game on Monday night at the lovely PNC Park. The Guardians (45-48) are attempting to end a four-game losing run and have slipped 2.5 games behind Minnesota, who is currently leading the
A.L. Central Division. On Sunday, in the eighth inning of a discouraging 6-5 road defeat to Texas, Cleveland RP Trevor Stephan (4-4) got hit for four runs.
Cleveland’s return to play was nasty as they were routed by the Texas Rangers in Arlington. The Guardians were defeated 6-5 on Sunday after blowing a 5-2 lead by allowing four earned runs in the eighth inning. Trevor Stephan was given the loss after throwing 0.1 innings and allowing all four earned runs. Steven Kwan excelled offensively in this game, hitting 4-5 with a home run. With a record of 45-48, Cleveland is 2.5 games behind Minnesota in the AL Central.
In the series’ first game, Xzavion Curry will earn the start, marking his 24th appearance and first start of the year. The right-hander enters this game with a record of 0-3 with marks of 3.04 ERA and 1.16 WHIP. Most recently, on Saturday, he pitched a scoreless inning against the Rangers in relief. Curry pitched 4.2 innings without allowing a run, his third straight scoreless appearance (no decision).
The Guardians’ biggest problem this season has been their offense, as they rank 27th overall in runs scored (374). The 16th-ranked team’s batting average (.250) and 27th-best OPS (.690) are responsible for those runs. Josh Naylor leads the way regarding individual performance, average (.308), and RBI (66). Jose Ramirez has provided the power with home runs (14) and leads in on-base percentage (.358).
The Cleveland Guardians rank 27th in MLB regarding runs scored per game with 4.0. They contributed 369 runs and had a 0.314 team batting average of 0.167; the Guardians recorded two baggers and 62 home runs. This season, they collected 343 RBIs, 785 base hits, and a. 250-team batting average. Cleveland has a.375 slugging percentage and has walked 273 times against 653 strikeouts.
Cleveland manager Terry Francona has not announced the starting pitcher for Game 1 of the series. A staff that ranks tenth in the majors with a 3.89 ERA and has made 34 quality starts for the Guardians has a ton of high-caliber alternatives.
Cleveland Guardians vs Pittsburgh Pirates 7/17/2023 Expert Picks, Tips and Odds
The Pittsburgh Pirates have lost eight of their past ten games, making them 10.5 games further adrift in the National League Central Division fight. The tenth inning of Pittsburgh’s 8-4 home defeat to San Francisco on Sunday saw R.P. Yerry De Los Santos (0-1) give up five runs (4 E.R.). OF In a losing effort, Bryan Reynolds got two hits and scored a run for the Pirates (41-52).
After a strong start in the 2023 season, the Pirates have had a steep decline in fortune. With a record of just 41-52, Pittsburgh is currently 10.5 games behind Milwaukee in the N.L. Central. The Pirates had a terrible start to the second half as the Giants swept them at home in a three-game series. It took ten innings to overcome the team on Sunday, 8-4. With five runs (four earned) on three hits and two walks, Yerry De Los Santos was given the loss.
On Monday night, Quinn Priester will start in Major League Baseball for the first time. The right-handed, 22-year-old Illinois native is 6′ 3″ tall. In 2019, the Pirates selected Priester with the 18th overall pick. This season, the right-hander’s record in the minor leagues is 7-3 with a 4.31 ERA and 1.36 WHIP. Throughout 87.2 innings, he fanned 84 opposing hitters.
Like the Guardians, the Pirates have had trouble at the plate this year. Thanks to their 21st-ranked team batting average (.238) and 23rd-best OPS (.699), they are now 26th in runs scored (388). Andrew McCutchen has the highest standard (.267) and on-base percentage (.380). With 19 long balls, Jack Suwinski has contributed power and leads the club in RBI with 48.
Quinn Prester, a righty who is 22 years old, will start for the Pirates in his first major league game. Priester, the 18th overall choice in the 2019 MLB Draft, has made 18 starts for Triple-A Indianapolis this year and has a 4.31 ERA.
Cleveland Guardians vs. Pittsburgh Pirates. The Cleveland Guardians are the MLB Prediction for this game. Philadelphia 3B Ke’Bryan Hayes is presently out due to lower back pain, and whether he will play in this series is unknown. Cleveland is now 26th in OPS and 27th in runs scored through 93 games. Pittsburgh is ranked 26th in runs scored and 24th in OPS for the season. Take the Guardians for a road victory—predicted final result: 5-3 win for Cleveland Guardians.
MLB Starting Time: 7:05 PM ET
Location: PNC Park in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
Date: Monday, July 17, 2023
TV: BSGL
MLB Odds/Point Spread: Cleveland Guardians -135
MLB Totals: 7.5
