The Cleveland Guardians enter this evening with the highest-rated offense on Batters-Box. They feature five elite rated hitters, three who are above the league average strikeout rate, and five who are above the league average ground ball rate.
They have the pleasure of facing the worst rated pitcher on the slate—Orioles right-hander Brandon Young. He holds a 7.52 ERA and 1.78 WHIP through six starts. In those outings, the 26-year-old is allowing six hits, 3.3 extra base hits, and 3.6 runs per start. Opponents are slashing .330/.388/.642/1.031 against him.
The Guardians have not exactly lit it up in the first five innings this season. However, over the past 14 days, they rank as a top-10 offense. Over the past week, they are the third-best offense in baseball, hitting .286 with a .534 slugging, .386 wOBA, and a 152 wRC+.
Baltimore has struggled mightily when it comes to allowing runs early, giving up the third-most in the first five innings. On the road, that number climbs to nearly three runs per game. Yes, Cleveland ranks as the third-worst first five scoring team at home this season, averaging just two runs. But with how poorly Young has performed and this price sitting at plus money, this feels like a strong time to back the Guardians offense.
Best Bet: Guardians First Five Team Total Over 2.5 Runs (+110) odds via BetOnline
