Minnesota Twins vs Cleveland Guardians Prediction 8-28-23 MLB Picks

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28 August 2023

The Cleveland Guardians and the Minnesota Twins meet Monday in MLB action from Target Field. Cleveland just finished up against the Blue Jays. After a split in the first two games, in the Sunday rubber match the Guardians powered out an extra-innings win. As for Minnesota, they’re coming off a weekend series versus the Rangers. The Twins won two of the first three in that set, and on Sunday Minnesota eked out a one-run win in 13 innings. Check back all season long for free MLB Picks at Sports Chat Place.

Cleveland Guardians

The Guardians powered out a 5-2 win over the Blue Jays in their weekend series opener, then fell 8-3 in game two. Both Jose Ramirez and Tyler Freeman had solo homers in that defeat. On Sunday Cleveland scored four in the top of the 11th inning to power out a comeback win 10-7. Ramirez, Kole Calhoun, Ramon Laureano and Andres Gimenez each had two RBI.

In the starter role for the Monday game the Guardians are sending out Xzavion Curry. In 32 games (seven starts) this year Curry is 3-2 with a 3.51 ERA and 53 Ks in 77.0 innings. Curry is 0-2 with a 4.94 ERA in his last seven games (five starts).

Cleveland Guardians Team Facts

The Guardians have lost each of their last seven games against American League opponents following a win.
The Guardians have covered the run line each of their last 12 road games against AL Central opponents that held a winning record.
The 'Inning 1 UNDER 0.5 runs' market has hit in each of the Guardians' last seven Monday games.
The Guardians have led after 5 innings in three of their last four games as road underdogs against American League opponents.
The Guardians have led after 7 innings in four of their last five games as road underdogs against AL Central opponents.

Minnesota Twins

Over on the Minnesota side, they powered out wins over the Rangers 7-5 and 12-2 in their first two weekend outings. Saturday was a 6-2 loss however, despite two hits and one RBI apiece from Jorge Polanco and Max Kepler. On Sunday the Twins fought back from an early deficit to post a 7-6 win in 13 innings. Royce Lewis had a grand slam along the way.

Kenta Maeda will take the mound for the Twins on Monday. Over his 15 starts this year Maeda is 3-7 with a 4.22 ERA and 88 Ks in 74.2 innings. Maeda is 1-2 with a 3.03 ERA over his last seven starts total.

Minnesota Twins Team Facts

The Twins have lost four of their last five games as favorites against AL Central opponents.
The Twins have failed to cover the run line in each of their last seven games as home favorites against the Guardians following a win.
The Twins have trailed after 3 innings in three of their last four games as home favorites against AL Central opponents.
The Twins have led after 7 innings in each of their last five night games at Target Field against AL Central opponents.
The 'Inning 1 OVER 0.5 runs' market has hit in each of the Twins' last three games as favorites.

Matchup/League Facts

The Minnesota Twins ranks 30th in the league for strikeouts against this season (1351).
The Minnesota Twins ranks 1st in the league for strikeouts this season (1244).
The Cleveland Guardians ranks 30th in the league for home runs this season (100).
The Cleveland Guardians ranks 1st in the league for strikeouts against this season (930).

ANDREW’S FREE PICK

I’ll try the Twins in this one, but I’m probably staying away. The starter performances are going to have a big impact here, as both guys have been a bit choppy lately. Maeda has six earned runs over his last 9.0 innings, and Curry is coming off three earned in 2.0 innings versus the Dodgers. I don’t think either guy will perform too badly here, though. On Sunday Minnesota fell behind early but still were able to fight their way back thanks to a couple of dramatic lifts in the victory. Maeda will need to have a better outing than Bailey Ober (4.0 innings; five earned) but I think Minnesota has a pretty good shot here.