Expert prediction
MLB: Twins vs Guardians Odds, and Picks (May 5)
Pick rationale
Analysis & key factors
- The Twins defeated the White Sox in the 12th inning.
- Cleveland lost against the Yankees, by a score of 4-3.
- The Guardians are 1183-1039 in their all-time history against Minnesota.
The Twins (17-14) and the Guardians (14-17) face off in a key AL Central series. Despite slow starts, they currently sit in 1st and 2nd place in a weak division. The winner of this series will pick up a key advantage.
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How to Watch
- Where: Progressive Field, Cleveland, OH
- When: Friday, May 5, 2023, at 7:10 p.m ET
- How to Watch: Apple TV+
Game Preview
Minnesota avoided being swept by the White Sox, thanks to a 12th inning victory on Thursday. The Twins have had an inconsistent start to their season, but currently hold a 3.5 game lead over a weak AL Central division. They’ve gone 7-3 over their last 10 games after starting the season 11-11, heating up at an ideal time with the 2nd-place Guardians up next. Minnesota needs more help on offense than just Byron Buxton.
The Guardians lost their series against the Yankees after taking game 1, falling to 14-17 on the season. They’ve now gone 4-8 over their last 12 games, after starting out 10-9. Like the Twins, Cleveland has been getting very limited production on offense. They’ve scored just 3 runs per game in that 12-game span, while giving up about 4.3 runs per game. If they can heat up on offense, the Guardians can still make a run.
Prediction
The Twins and Guardians have both struggled on offense lately, but are still hanging around at the top of their division thanks to how weak it is. This series creates an opportunity for the Guardians to close the gap, or for the Twins to expand it. Without confidence in either offense, I would bet on Minnesota’s starting pitcher, Bailey Ober (1.59 ERA) to outplay Cleveland’s Peyton Battenfield (4.67 ERA). I’ll take the Twins here.
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