'%20x='0'%20y='0'%20height='100%25'%20width='100%25'%20%0A%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20xlink%3Ahref='data:image/jpg;base64,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'%3E%3C/image%3E%3C/svg%3E)
The Astros gun for the sweep against the Guardians on the road in the series-closer. Houston once again outgunned Cleveland in Game 2 after a comfortable opening game series win.
Yainer Diaz went 2-for-4 with a solo shot and two RBI to lead Houston's batters, while Guardians superstar Jose Ramirez smashed a two-run home run that went in vain as he tried to will his team to victory. Houston reliever Brandon Walter is scheduled to take the bump against seasoned starter Tanner Bibee as Cleveland tries to avoid being swept at home.
Astros vs. Guardians recent form and records
The Astros are one of the hottest teams in the league, as they've now clamped down on the AL West lead with a 36-28 record. A combination of the team's momentum and the Mariners' faltering have now positioned the former three and a half games to the good in the division.
Trending
The Guardians, meanwhile, are slowly slipping down the standings in the AL Central, having just won four of their last 10 fixtures. They are now seven and a half games behind the Tigers for the top seed and are currently out of the wild-card spots.
Astros vs. Guardians odds
Money Line: HOU (+137), CLE (-149)
Run Spread: HOU +1.5 (-164), CLE -1.5 (+136)
Total Runs: O 7.5 (-113), U 7.5 (-105)
Astros vs. Guardians injuries
HOU injury report
- Ronel Blanco (SP): 60-day IL (elbow)
- Cristian Javier (SP): 60-day IL (elbow)
- J.P. France (SP): 60-day IL (shoulder)
- Pedro Leon (RF): 10-day IL (knee)
- Luis Garcia (SP): 60-day IL (elbow)
- Zach Dezenzo (LF): 10-day IL (hand)
- Taylor Trammell (LF): 10-day IL (calf)
- Yordan Alvarez (LF): 10-day IL (hand)
- Chas McCormick (LF): 10-day IL (oblique)
- Spencer Arrighetti (SP): 15-day IL (thumb)
- Hayden Wesneski (SP): 60-day IL (elbow)
CLE injury report
- Austin Hedges (C): 7-day IL (concussion)
- Shane Bieber (SP): 60-day IL (elbow)
- Lane Thomas (CF): 10-day IL (foot)
- Will Brennan (RF): 10-day IL (forearm)
- Ben Lively (SP): 60-day IL (elbow)
- Paul Sewald (RP): 15-day IL (shoulder)
- Sam Hentges (RP): 60-day IL (shoulder)
Astros vs. Guardians projected lineup
HOU projected lineup
- Jeremy Pena (SS)
- Isaac Paredes (3B)
- Jose Altuve (2B)
- Christian Walker (1B)
- Yainer Diaz (DH)
- Victor Caratini (C)
- Jake Meyers (CF)
- Cam Smith (RF)
- Jacob Melton (LF)
- Brandon Walter (SP, 5 K)
CLE projected lineup
- Steven Kwan (LF)
- Angel Martinez (CF)
- Jose Ramirez (3B)
- Carlos Santana (1B)
- David Fry (DH)
- Gabriel Arias (SS)
- Jhonkensy Noel (RF)
- Daniel Shneeman (2B)
- Bo Naylor (C)
- Tanner Bibee (SP, 4-6 | 3.89 ERA | 56 K)
Astros vs. Guardians picks and game prediction
The Guardians are heavily favored as the visitors are scheduled to start reliever Brandon Walter. If Cleveland can disrupt the game early on, the chances of them taking this game should be high. However, if it comes down the stretch and their 23rd-rank offense in OPS turns its ugly head, a Houston sweep will be more likely.
Run Line: HOU +1.5 (-164)
Total Runs: O 7.5 (-113)
Prediction: HOU wins, 8-5
