The Boston Red Sox and Cleveland Indians are set to conclude a four-game series in Ohio today, and BoSox fans will be rejoicing due to the man on the mound in the contest. Sportsbooks opened the Tribe as +146 underdogs with a total of 7.
- The Red Sox are 4-10 SU in their last 14 games on the road against the Indians.
- The total has gone UNDER in seven of the Red Sox’ last nine games when closing out a series.
- The total has gone UNDER in five of the Indians’ last seven games at home with Trevor Bauer as the starting pitcher.
Chris Sale and Trevor Bauer are expected to get the start in this one. Sale (14-5, 2.62 ERA) was roughed up for a season-high seven runs over five innings in a no-decision vs the Indians earlier this month. The ace is a measly 5-7 with a 4.44 ERA against Cleveland in his career.
Bauer (12-8, 4.50) improved to 5-0 over his last seven appearances with a win over Kansas City in his last outing. The hurler beat Boston at Fenway Park on August 14, giving up three runs on three solo home runs while striking out 11. Bauer is 1-2 with a bloated 8.79 ERA in four starts against Boston in his career, though.
Betting the Indians runline when closing out a series has been a sinkhole for bettors lately, as Cleveland is 0-8 ATS in its last eight in the final game of a series.
Sportsbook Odds & Computer Pick
The visiting Boston Red Sox were -180 moneyline favorites in this one earlier in the day at most online sportsbooks including Sportsbook. The total was 7 at Sportsbook for those preferring OVER/UNDER betting.
OddsShark computer prediction handicapping models run on this game pick a 4.5-3.7 victory for the Red Sox. View the computer score prediction and who will win the pick on the moneyline for all upcoming MLB matchups here.
Boston Red Sox vs Cleveland Indians Matchup
Team Betting Records & Power Rankings
The Cleveland Indians bring a 69-56 record to the battle against the 73-53 Red Sox. Stay Informed: follow us on Twitter for odds specials, betting line moves and Cleveland vs Boston injuries news.
The MLB Power Rankings show a disparity between these teams, with the Cleveland Indians rated this week at No. 6 and the Boston Red Sox sitting at No. 1.
Statistical Matchup
The game also pits Cleveland Indians No. 10-rated offense, averaging 4.81 runs per game, against a Boston Red Sox defense that ranks No. 3 at 3.99 in runs allowed per game. The Cleveland Indians have averaged 8.65 hits per game so far, less than Boston Red Sox batters have averaged on the year (9.1 hits per game).
Pitching and defensive stats are important baseball handicapping betting factors and Cleveland has the No. 2-ranked defense. In the other dugout, the Red Sox own the No. 3 mark in runs allowed.
Recent Outings Betting Recap
Boston shook off a 12-strikeout performance from Corey Kluber and still came out on top last time, emerging with a 6-1 victory over Cleveland on Wednesday at Progressive Field.
- Boston is 5-1 ATS in its last 6 games
- Boston is 16-4 SU in its last 20 games
- Boston is 8-1 ATS in its last 9 games on the road
- Boston is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games on the road
- Cleveland is 1-4 ATS in its last 5 games
- Cleveland is 9-4 SU in its last 13 games
- Cleveland is 1-6 ATS in its last 7 games at home
- Cleveland is 14-6 SU in its last 20 games at home
Next Betting Matchups
Boston home to Baltimore, Friday, August 25
Cleveland home to Kansas City, Friday, August 25
