Two contenders will square off when the Cleveland Guardians visit Petco Park for a two-game series vs. the San Diego Padres.
These inter-league rivals don't meet often but there are always sparks when they do, especially as they both desperately crave a win. So, who'll prevail? Let's break it down!
Guardians Are Shocking The World
Not many people expected the Guardians to be a contender this season, yet they control their own destiny for a postseason berth.
Even so, they're set to endure a brutal stretch to finish the season, which is why they can't afford any setbacks in their trip to Petco Park. They have the Minnesota Twins right on their toes, so every series is a postseason series.
Will Padres Get Over The Hump?
The San Diego Padres are one of the most exciting teams in Major League Baseball. Adding Juan Soto, Brandon Drury, Josh Bell, and Josh Hader to an already explosive team only made them a stronger contender.
However, they can't seem to take bad teams seriously, and that inconsistency could go back to haunt them when it matters the most. Winning the division is unlikely at this point, but they need to get better if they want to keep up with the Dodgers in the postseason.
Key Injuries, Stats, And Trends
The San Diego Padres are mostly at full strength for this game. Once again, they'll be without superstar SS Fernando Tatis Jr. (suspension), while Craig Stammen and Drew Pomeranz will also be out. Just C Austin Hedges and RPs Cody Morris and Anthony Gose will be on the shelf for the Cleveland Guardians.
When it comes to trends, it's worth noting that the Padres are 10-1 in their last 11 games following an off day, 4-1 in their last five interleague games vs. a team with a winning record, and 8-2 in their last ten home games vs. a right-handed starter.
Also, the Over is 4-0-1 in Guardians' last five interleague games, 4-0-1 in Guardians' last five vs. National League West, and 6-1-1 in Padres last 8 vs. American League Central.
Picks For Guardians At Padres
The Padres will trust a former Cleveland Guardian for this game. Mike Clevinger will continue to work his way back into elite form with his second career start against his former team. He allowed three runs and four hits in 4.2 IP back in May, shortly after making his season debut.
The Guardians will counter with right-hander Aaron Civale, who's 2-5 with a 5.63 ERA and 1.34 WHIP this season.
Judging by those numbers, perhaps the safest bet for this game would be a lean towards the over at 8 runs. Clevinger has struggled with control, so trusting him to go the distance or win the game could be a trap, but Civale has't been much better, either.
]]>The Inquisitr
