The Cleveland Guardians and New York Yankees face off on Friday in Game 2 of the ALDS at Yankee Stadium.
In Game 1 of this series on Tuesday, it was the Yankees that were able to secure the 4-1 victory. Steven Kwan hit a home run in the 3rd inning to jump out to a 1-0 lead, but the Yankees scored four unanswered. Anthony Rizzo had a big two-run home run and Harrison Bader also added a home run. Jose Trevino didn’t have a hit, but finished with an RBI also. The Yankees used three different bullpen arms, and they gave up only one hit. The Guardians also used three bullpen members, and they gave up zero runs.
The Guardians have gotten good pitching all postseason, but there has to be some major talking about this offense and how they have performed in the playoffs. Cleveland has scored only four runs total in the three games, and if they want to make it out of this series, the offense is going to need to get going.
For the Yankees, they have to feel excellent about where they are. Aaron Judge didn’t even have a hit in the first game, but the surrounding offense was still good enough around him to pick up a win.
On the mound for Cleveland is Shane Bieber, who sits with a 13-8 record and an ERA of 2.88. In his last start against the Tampa Bay Rays, he went 7.2 innings, giving up three hits and one run.
On the mound for the Yankees is Nestor Cortes, who sits with a 12-4 record and an ERA of 2.44. Over his last two starts, he has gone 13.1 innings, giving up two hits and zero runs.
Cleveland is 20-6 in their last 26 road games. The Yankees are 13-5 in their last 18 games overall. The Guardians are 1-6 in their last seven meetings against Cleveland.
This Guardians' offense has been so bad heading into this game, and it’s not going to change with Nestor Cortes on the mound, as he’s been lights out the last couple of games. Bieber in his last start gave up only one run, and I expect the Yankees bats are going to really struggle to score here. This is going to be a 2-1 or 2-0 type of game, and this game is going to stay under the total. Back the under to cash.
AUTHOR: Shane Mickle
Mitch's Take...
