Twins vs. Indians Prediction
The Minnesota Twins hold a 3.5 game lead over the second-place Cleveland Indians in the AL Central standings heading into today’s series opener. Can Cleveland trim a game off its deficit with a win tonight?
Game Snapshot
969 Minnesota Twins at 970 Cleveland Indians
Friday, September 13, 2019
Progressive Field at 7:10PM ET
TV: MLB Network
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Public Betting Information
According to oddsmakers, the Twins are a -115 favorite to win on the moneyline. The Indians are a +105 underdog, while the total is set at 9.5 runs. As of Friday afternoon, 65 percent of public bets are being placed on host Cleveland. Check out our MLB Public Betting Page for up-to-date info.
Twins struggle in series finale
Minnesota dropped a 12-6 decision at home Thursday night against Washington in interleague play to drop to 89-57 overall and 41-33 at home. Nelson Cruz helped lead the Nationals offense as he went 2-for-5 with a home run and two RBIs. Jonathan Schoop ended the game 3-for-5 with a homer and two RBIs. Mitch Garver and Luis Arraez were both 1-for-3 with a double and a run scored. Kyle Gibson took the loss as he gave up six runs (five earned) on eight hits with five strikeouts and four walks over 4 2/3 innings pitched. Jake Odorizzi draws the start tonight as he enters with a 14-6 record, 3.60 ERA and 1.23 WHIP plus 162 strikeouts over 147 1/3 innings.
Indians win fourth straight
Cleveland secured a 4-3 victory Wednesday in its series finale at the Angels to improve to 86-61 overall and 43-32 on the road. Francisco Lindor helped lead the Indians offensively as he went 1-for-5 with a home run and two RBIs. Carlos Santana was 1-for-5 with a solo homer. Jordan Luplow finished 2-for-3 with a double plus a walk. Carlos Carrasco recorded the win as he continues his comeback from leukemia, allowing no hits with two strikeouts and two walks over 1 2/3 scoreless innings. Adam Cimber struck out the only batter he faced to earn the save. Aaron Civale will start tonight for Cleveland as he comes in with a 3-3 record, 1.93 ERA and 1.05 WHIP plus 38 strikeouts across 46 2/3 innings pitched.
MLB Betting Trends
Minnesota
The Twins are 5-0 in the last five Odorizzi starts. Minnesota is 13-5 in its last five Friday games.
Cleveland
The Indians are 10-4 in their last 14 games following an off day. Cleveland is 6-2 in its last eight Friday games.
Prediction:
I figured this game would be closer to a pick’em than the Twins favored. Civale has shown he has the chops to succeed at the MLB level and the Indians should be fresh even after returning from the West Coast after having yesterday off. Minnesota played last night and had to travel, so it might be the more fatigued team. The Indians need a sweep to get back in this division race and I think they take care of business tonight.
MLB DAILY PREDICTION: CLEVELAND INDIANS +105