Detroit Tigers at Cleveland Guardians Player Props, Picks and Predictions - 10/7/2024 4:08 PM EST

We have your Detroit Tigers at Cleveland Guardians prop betting and game preview needs covered as the Detroit Tigers hit the road to face the Cleveland Guardians.

Detroit Tigers at Cleveland Guardians Odds Info

Best Moneyline Odds: Detroit Tigers -125 (BetMGM) / Cleveland Guardians +110 (BetRivers)
Best Spread Odds: 1.5 - Detroit Tigers +146 (FanDuel) / Cleveland Guardians -170 (DraftKings)
Best Total Odds: 6.5 - Under -125 (ESPN BET) / 6.0 - Over -110 (BetRivers)

Game Info

Date: 10/7/2024
Time: 4:08 PM EST
Location: Progressive Field (Cleveland, Ohio)
TV: TBS

Historic Head-to-Head Stats and Analysis

In the past month, the Cleveland Guardians and the Detroit Tigers have faced off in one game, which took place on October 5, 2024. In this matchup, the Cleveland Guardians emerged victorious, defeating the Detroit Tigers with a score of 7-0. The game was held in Cleveland, and the home team, the Guardians, were the favorites, as indicated by their negative point spread and lower moneyline. The Guardians not only won the game but also covered the spread, while the Tigers failed to do so. The total score of the game was 7, which was under the set over-under line of 7.5, marking the game as an "under" result.

In the detailed breakdown of the most recent game, the Cleveland Guardians showcased a strong offensive performance, scoring five runs in the first inning alone. José Ramírez, Josh Naylor, and Lane Thomas were key contributors, with Thomas hitting a three-run homer. The Guardians added two more runs in the sixth inning, thanks to a double by David Fry. Overall, the Guardians recorded 8 hits and 7 runs, while the Tigers managed only 4 hits and left 11 runners on base. The Guardians' pitching staff was dominant, recording 13 strikeouts and maintaining a perfect earned run average, while the Tigers' pitchers allowed 7 earned runs over 8 innings.

The game statistics highlight the Guardians' efficiency both offensively and defensively. The Guardians had a batting average of .219 and a slugging percentage of .406, while the Tigers struggled with a batting average of .138 and a slugging percentage of .172. The Guardians also demonstrated better plate discipline, with a walk rate of 0.131579 compared to the Tigers' 0.0625. On the pitching side, the Guardians' staff faced 32 batters, allowing only 4 hits and 2 walks, while striking out 13. In contrast, the Tigers' pitchers faced 38 batters, allowing 7 hits, 5 walks, and 8 strikeouts. These statistics underscore the Guardians' comprehensive performance in their recent victory over the Tigers.

Detroit Tigers at Cleveland Guardians Preview

The Detroit Tigers are set to face the Cleveland Guardians in Game 2 of the American League Division Series, with the Tigers looking to bounce back after a tough 7-0 loss in Game 1. The Guardians, who have taken a 1-0 lead in the series, will be aiming to capitalize on their home-field advantage at Progressive Field. The Tigers, however, are not without hope, as they send their ace, Tarik Skubal, to the mound. Skubal, who boasts an impressive 18-4 record with a 2.39 ERA, has been a dominant force this season and is coming off a stellar performance in the Wild Card round against Houston, where he pitched six scoreless innings.

On the other side, the Guardians will counter with Matthew Boyd, a former Tiger who has made a remarkable comeback from Tommy John surgery. Boyd has been solid since returning to the mound, posting a 2.72 ERA over eight starts. His familiarity with the Tigers' lineup could play a crucial role in this matchup. The Guardians' offense, led by the likes of José Ramírez and Lane Thomas, who hit a three-run homer in Game 1, will look to continue their strong performance against a Tigers team that struggled offensively in the series opener.

Both teams have shown strengths and weaknesses throughout the season. The Tigers have been resilient, as evidenced by their upset of the Houston Astros in the Wild Card round, but they will need to find their offensive rhythm to support Skubal. Meanwhile, the Guardians have demonstrated their ability to capitalize on early opportunities, as seen in their explosive first inning in Game 1. With both teams' bullpens well-rested after an off-day, the stage is set for a competitive showdown. The Tigers will aim to even the series before heading back to Comerica Park, while the Guardians will look to extend their lead and maintain momentum.

Detroit Tigers at Cleveland Guardians Pick: Total Runs Over

As the Detroit Tigers and Cleveland Guardians prepare for Game 2 of the ALDS, the stage is set for a potentially high-scoring affair, making the over on total runs an enticing pick. Despite the Tigers' offensive struggles in Game 1, where they were shut out 7-0, the presence of ace Tarik Skubal on the mound could provide the spark needed to ignite their bats. Skubal, with his impressive 18-4 record and 2.39 ERA, has been a dominant force this season, but the Guardians' lineup, led by José Ramírez and Lane Thomas, has shown the ability to capitalize on scoring opportunities, as evidenced by their explosive five-run first inning in the series opener.

Matthew Boyd, the Guardians' starter and former Tiger, has been solid since returning from Tommy John surgery, posting a 2.72 ERA over eight starts. However, his familiarity with the Tigers' lineup could work both ways, potentially allowing Detroit's hitters to find success against him. The Tigers have demonstrated resilience, particularly in their Wild Card round upset of the Houston Astros, and will be eager to bounce back offensively to support Skubal.

Both teams have shown they can produce runs, with the Guardians boasting a 44-11 record in games where they hit two or more home runs. Additionally, the Tigers have a 61-14 record in games where they record at least eight hits, indicating their potential to contribute to a high-scoring game. With both bullpens well-rested after an off-day, the offensive capabilities of both lineups could come to the forefront, making the over on total runs a compelling choice for this matchup.

Detroit Tigers at Cleveland Guardians Top Player Prop Picks

Matthew Boyd Over 4.5 Strikeouts -145 (BetMGM)

Matthew Boyd's return from Tommy John surgery has been nothing short of impressive, as evidenced by his 2.72 ERA over eight starts. His familiarity with the Tigers' lineup, having been a part of the team for several years, could play to his advantage in this matchup. Boyd has demonstrated a solid strikeout ability, with 46 strikeouts in 39.2 innings pitched this season. Given the Tigers' offensive struggles in Game 1, where they managed only four hits and were shut out, Boyd is well-positioned to exploit their weaknesses and rack up strikeouts. The odds of -145 reflect the confidence in Boyd's ability to surpass the 4.5 strikeout line, making this a compelling prop bet.

Tarik Skubal Under 4.5 Hits Allowed +105 (Caesars)

Tarik Skubal has been a dominant force on the mound this season, boasting an 18-4 record with a 2.39 ERA. His performance in the Wild Card round against Houston, where he pitched six scoreless innings, underscores his ability to stifle opposing offenses. The Guardians, despite their strong showing in Game 1, have a lineup that Skubal has managed effectively in the past, allowing just two runs over 13 innings in two starts against them since his return from injury. With a batting average against of .201, Skubal's ability to limit hits is well-documented, and the +105 odds for under 4.5 hits allowed present a valuable opportunity for bettors.

Lane Thomas Over 0.5 Singles -105 (bet365)

Lane Thomas has been a key contributor to the Guardians' offense, as demonstrated by his three-run homer in Game 1. His recent form, particularly in the early part of September where he hit .367, suggests he is seeing the ball well. While Skubal is a formidable opponent, Thomas's ability to make contact and find gaps in the defense makes the over on 0.5 singles an attractive proposition. The odds of -105 reflect a balanced view of this outcome, but given Thomas's recent performance and his role in the Guardians' lineup, he is well-positioned to deliver at least one single in this crucial Game 2 matchup.