Game 1
There are storylines aplenty heading into what shapes as a fascinating ALCS between two polar opposites.
The Yankees are sending Carlos Rodon to the mound for the opener, the 31-year-old facing all the pressure after allowing four earned runs in just 3.2 innings of work against the Royals during the Divisional Series.
Side by side, the Bronx Bombers hold an edge in terms of offence, but it’s worth noting the Yanks only outscored Kansas City by three runs.
Elsewhere, all eyes will be on Aaron Judge as his postseason struggles continue, but New York fans can rest easy knowing Giancarlo Stanton continues to swing a hot bat with Anthony Volpe also getting on base.
Not to be outdone, the Guardians boast their share of talented hitters, particularly atop the lineup in the form of Steven Kwan (.524 Postseason AVG) and the always-dangerous, Jose Ramirez.
The Guards have a big advantage when it comes to the bullpen, locked down by the league’s top closer Emmanuel Clase and strong middle relief arms like Tim Herin and Hunter Gaddis.
I’m leaning the way of the Yankees in Game 1, but I think Cleveland can put some runs on the board against Rodon. They ranked Top 5 in runs scored against left-handed pitching, and bottom five in strikeout percentage against southpaws during the regular season.
Keep in mind, the Guards had a stretch of 20 innings without scoring a run against the Tigers, so if those struggles continue, this series be over within five games against a loaded Yankees lineup that averaged over 50 home runs more during the regular season.
- Tip: Back the Yankees to Win @ $1.62
- Next Best: Guardians Over 3.5 Runs @ $2.02
- Player Pick: Lane Thomas to Hit a Home Run