The Guardians (53-54, 25-30 away) and Astros (60-47, 29-25 home) square off in two of this American League series. Framber Valdez will take the mound for the Astros against Gavin Williams for the Guardians. See who I like to come out on top in this Cleveland Guardians vs. Houston Astros showdown in Houston.

CLEVELAND GUARDIANS VS HOUSTON ASTROS BETTING PICK

The Pick: Cleveland Guardians +1.5 Runs

This game will be played at Minute Maid Park at 8:10 ET on Tuesday, August 1st.

WHY BET THE CLEVELAND GUARDIANS:

  • Against the runline, the Astros have gone just 1-2 in their last three home games.
  • Over their last five games as the favorite, the Astros are just 2-3 against the runline.
  • Over his last four starts, Gavin Williams has an ERA of just 2.65.

CLEVELAND GUARDIANS SEEK TO IMPROVE THEIR ROAD RECORD

So far this season, the Guardians have a series record of 16-16-2 and overall record of 53-54. This mark has Cleveland placed 2nd in the AL Central. On the road, they have a below .500 record of 25-30.

The Guardians will turn to starter Gavin Williams, who has a 1-2 record so far this season. Across seven appearances, his ERA stands at 3.35 with a K/9 of 7.41. Additionally, Williams’ FIP is 4.45 and opponents have an OBP of .312 against him.

Gavin Williams recently faced the Royals, pitching four innings and allowing three hits and no runs. Despite not earning a decision, the Guardians emerged victorious 8-3.

This season, the Guardians are 21st in the league at 4.1 runs per game. Over their last ten games, they have a combined batting average of .252 (11th) leading to 3.8 runs per contest. Overall, they are generating 2.9 walks per game compared to 6 strikeouts. Cleveland’s on-base percentage of .316 has them 12th in the MLB.

Steven Kwan has been a force at the plate for the Cleveland Indians this season, boasting a .278 batting average and .388 slugging percentage. In the team’s last ten games, Kwan has been especially impressive, leading the Indians in hits with a .337 average.

WILL THE HOUSTON ASTROS TAKE CARE OF BUSINESS AT HOME?

With an overall record of 60-47, the Astros are 2nd in the AL West. When playing at home, they are 29-25 and 31-22. So far, Houston has a record of 27-27 against below .500 teams and have played in 34 series, going 18-14-2.

Today marks Framber Valdez’s 21st outing of the season, and he holds an 8-7 record. His ERA is 3.29 with an OBP allowed of .284, and he has fanned 134 batters with a WHIP of 1.14. On the road, his ERA stands at 4.34 compared to 3.43 when playing at home.

After taking a defeat to the Rangers, Framber Valdez had a rough outing, surrendering six runs on eight hits in 3 2/3 innings.

The Astros have been one of the top power lineups in the league of late, having hit 19 home runs over their last ten games. Compared to other clubs, this is 1st best in that span. For the season, they are ranked 8th in home runs and 10th in slugging percentage. Overall, Houston is averaging 4.8 runs per game (9th).

The Astros have seen Yordan Alvarez lead the team in home runs over their last five games, with two long balls. On the season, Alvarez has tallied 19 dingers and holds a .286 batting average.