Guardians vs. Padres (August 24) Can the Guardians Finish Off a Quick 2-Game Sweep?

The fourth meeting of the season between the Cleveland Guardians and San Diego Padres will take place on Wednesday afternoon from PETCO Park. The Guardians took game one of the series yesterday with a great bullpen pitching performance.

In the 3-1 victory on Tuesday, Guardians' pitchers combined for 13 strikeouts while only allowing 6 hits. The Padres' woes at the plate continued, as they only produced one extra-base hit.

The Padres' Mike Clevinger gave up his 3rd and 4th home runs in the last 4 outings and gave up too much contact to the Cleveland hitters. He only lasted 6 innings, striking out 4 batters.

Cleveland has won 2 of 3 meetings with the Padres, allowing 4 or less runs in both victories. This will be the last meeting of the regular season for the two clubs, as both try to stay within reasonable playoff striking distance.

The Guardians are underdogs today, but they will face Blake Snell of the Padres who is 5-1 in his last 6 starts. The Padres will try to split the season series as they face Cal Quantrill of the Guardians. He is 4-0 in his last 8 starts and hasn't lost since July 5th.

Cleveland Guardians vs. San Diego Padres Matchup Information and Betting Odds

Matchup Information

• Matchup: Cleveland Guardians (65-56, 33-31 away, 1st in the AL Central) vs. San Diego Padres (68-57, 35-27 home, 2nd in the NL West)
• Venue & Location: Petco Park (San Diego, California)
• Date: Wednesday, August 24, 2022
• Game Time: 4:10 p.m. Eastern Time (1:10 p.m. local time)
• Guardians vs. Padres TV Info: MLB Network

Guardians vs. Padres Pitching Matchup

• Cleveland Guardians: Cal Quantrill (2022: 23 starts, 9-5, 3.77 ERA)
• San Diego Padres: Blake Snell (2022: 16 starts, 5-6, 3.77 ERA)

Guardians vs. Padres Odds

Game odds are via BetOnline. Odds from other reputable legal online sportsbooks may also be featured in this article.

Moneyline

• Cleveland Guardians +136
• San Diego Padres -162

Over/Under

• Over 7.5 (-110)
• Under 7.5 (-110)

Run Line

• Cleveland Guardians +1.5 (-152)
• San Diego Padres -1.5 (+126)

Hot Pitchers Face Off in Finale

Both starters have put on a show over their last 8 outings. Blake Snell is 5-1 and is averaging just under 8 strikeouts per game. He has also only allowed more than one earned run in two of those 8 starts.

Snell has dropped his ERA from 5.22 to 3.77 in just over a month. The lefty has only surrendered 6 home runs this season in 16 starts. He has been almost untouchable in August, surrendering only 6 runs.

For the Guardians, Cal Quantrill is 4-0 in his last 8 starts, and he is striking out significantly less players than Snell. He is only averaging around 4 Ks per game, but his WHIP has stayed respectable at 1.22.

Quantrill's issue has been the home run ball. He has given up 17 this season in just 23 starts. However, in his last 3 starts, he has only given up 1 long ball. His ERA has also dropped from 3.99 to 3.77, which may not look like much, but he is getting results.

Something has to give on Wednesday as these two face off. The score will be low, and the hits will be minimal as both have found their groove in the latter part of the season. With both teams in playoff contention, it is an important game to stay on track.

Cleveland Guardians vs. San Diego Padres Prediction and Picks

Guardians vs. Padres Prediction: Padres to win

Guardians vs. Padres Picks: Padres ML (-162 at BetOnline)

I have to give the pitching edge to Snell here. However, it isn't by much. The home run ball will be Quantrill's downfall on the road today, even if the Padres are without Juan Soto in their starting lineup.

Expect something like a 2-1 final score, as both pitchers will be at top form heading into the afternoon matchup. I wouldn't be surprised to see the bullpens be credited with the decisions, as a close game late will be in store.