The Cleveland Guardians (70-65) and Minnesota Twins (69-67) begin a 3-game series Friday at Target Field in Minneapolis. First pitch is scheduled for 8:10 p.m. ET. Let’s analyze Tipico Sportsbook‘s lines around the Y nickname vs. Z odds with MLB picks and predictions.
Season series: Guardians lead series 6-5
The Guardians lead the AL Central by 1.5 games over both the Twins and Chicago White Sox. Cleveland won 2 of 3 in Kansas City earlier this week and nearly had the sweep, but All-Star closer Emmanuel Clase blew the save Wednesday and took the loss 2-1.
The Twins avoided the broom in a 3-game set in New York against the Yankees, winning 4-3 Wednesday. Despite the win, Minnesota is just 2-5 in its last 7 games.
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Guardians at Twins projected starters
RHP Cal Quantrill vs. RHP Dylan Bundy
Quantrill (11-5, 3.55 ERA) makes his 27th start. He has a 1.20 WHIP, 2.5 BB/9 and 6.0 K/9 in 152 IP.
- Is 4-5 with a 3.86 ERA, .277 opponent batting average and 43 K across 63 IP in 11 road starts this season
- Went 4-0 with a 2.13 ERA and .162 opponent BA with 27 K across 38 IP in 6 August starts, easily his best month in 2022
Bundy (8-6, 4.34 ERA) makes his 25th start. He has a 1.22 WHIP, 1.9 BB/9 and 6.4 K/9 in 118 1/3 IP.
- Has managed a 4-1 record, 2.80 ERA and .231 opponent BA with 29 K across 45 IP in 9 starts at Target Field this season
- Allowed 3 R (2 ER) with 6 H, 1 BB and 1 K over 5 IP in a no-decision at Cleveland June 29
Guardians at Twins odds
Provided by Tipico Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list. Lines last updated at 7:42 a.m. ET.
- Money line (ML): Guardians -110 (bet $110 to win $100) | Twins -110 (bet $110 to win $100)
- Run line (RL)/Against the spread (ATS): Guardians -1.5 (+160) | Twins +1.5 (-200)
- Over/Under (O/U): 7.5 (O: -120 | U: -105)
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Guardians at Twins picks and predictions
Prediction
Guardians 3, Twins 2
Money line
The GUARDIANS (-110) are a solid play in this series opener, as they look to maintain 1st place in the AL Central.
Quantrill is coming off his best month of the season, and he should be able to pitch well against a Twins (-110) side struggling to plate runs lately.
The Guardians are also 11-5 in the last 16 road games, and 13-6 in the previous 19 games against AL Central foes. Cleveland is also rested, and that’s a good thing. It is 5-0 in the last 5 games following a scheduled off day.
Run line/Against the spread
The TWINS +1.5 (-200) are a little on the expensive side, should you want a little insurance and you do not trust them straight up. Minnesota has lost 2 of its last 5 games by 1 run, so they’re not a terrible play against the number.
Over/Under
UNDER 7.5 (-105) is the best play on the board in this AL Central battle which should have the feel of a playoff game.
Quantrill was untouchable in August, posting his lowest ERA of the month, and Bundy has tremendous splits at home. The runs should be at a premium here.
The Under is 11-3-1 in the last 15 on the road for Cleveland, while going 8-1-1 in the last 10 series openers. The Under is 7-1 in the last 8 series openers for Minnesota, too, while cashing in 7 of the past 9 inside the division.
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