The Cleveland Guardians are set to welcome another AL Central foe, the Detroit Tigers, in their first playoff series.
My Tigers vs. Guardians predictions see a feisty Detroit team running into trouble against a very potent Cleveland side that has no real weakness to exploit.
Let’s take a look at the best ways to attack Game 1 with my MLB picks for October 5. You can also check out our Tigers vs. Guardians props for more great bets!
Tigers vs Guardians prediction
Who will win Tigers vs Guardians Game 1?
I like the Cleveland Guardians to take care of business in Game 1. Tanner Bibee is an excellent starter playing his best ball heading into the playoffs, and the Guardians have a fantastic bullpen backing him up. Not to mention, the Guardians feature a higher-scoring offense that is most productive on home soil.
My Tigers vs Guardians best bet
Jose Ramirez Over 1.5 hits + runs + RBI (-120 at DraftKings)
Best odds available in your region
My analysis
Jose Ramirez is unquestionably one of the best hitters in baseball — and he’s significantly better at home than on the road. This season he recorded at least two hits + runs + RBI in 66% of his games in Cleveland. That’s a far cry from the 53% hit rate he managed on the road.
Ramirez’ home success in the H+R+R market is not just a coincidence of having runners on base vs. not. He hit much better in Cleveland.
Ramirez recorded two total bases or more in 56% of his games on home soil. He cleared his bases line at a 42% clip on the road.
The Guardians had a bye in the opening round of the playoffs, so Ramirez has been getting some much-needed rest after appearing in 158 games during the regular season. He should be fresh and ready to go.
As far as the matchup goes, the Detroit Tigers are opening with lefty Tyler Holton — Ramirez mashes left-handed pitching — and will use a wide array of arms from that point forward.
The Tigers have a fantastic bullpen, but using so many pitchers remains a risky strategy in that the more players they deploy, the higher the chance they stumble into one or two that just don’t have their best stuff.
Not to mention, the Guardians are a very savvy organization that has had plenty of time to prepare. Ramirez is also one of the smartest hitters in the league. He will know how to deal with anything the Tigers throw at him.
Tigers vs Guardians same-game parlay (SGP)
Jose Ramirez Over 1.5 hits + runs + RBI
Guardians moneyline
Guardians Over 1.5 runs
There is a lot to like with the Guardians in this game. Tanner Bibee has conceded two runs or fewer in seven of his past 10 starts, and he has an excellent, fully rested bullpen backing him up.
The Guardians were one of the best run-prevention teams in the league during the regular season, which translated in their head-to-head meetings with the Tigers as well. The Guardians gave up only 12 runs over the last five against Detroit.
If Ramirez can do some damage at the plate, and the Guardians are to win, it’s more than reasonable to expect them to score multiple runs.
Learn how to bet a same-game parlay with these helpful tips and strategies.
Tigers vs Guardians odds
Tigers vs Guardians live odds
Tigers vs Guardians opening odds
- Moneyline: Detroit +133 | Cleveland -145
- Run line: Detroit +1.5 | Cleveland -1.5
- Over/Under: Over 7 | Under 7
Tigers vs Guardians moneyline and Over/Under analysis
- The Guardians opened as -145 favorites but are currently trading at -142. The Tigers have definitely gotten the market’s attention following an impressive series win over Houston.
- The total still sits at 7.0, but we’ve seen some sway towards the Under. Pinnacle has a -113 price tag attached.
- Cleveland has won four of the past five games against Detroit.
- Six of the past 10 head-to-head meetings have gone over the number.
Tigers vs Guardians trend
Jose Ramirez has amassed 22 hits + runs + RBI over his last six meetings against Detroit. Find more MLB betting trends for Tigers vs. Guardians.
Tigers vs Guardians Game 1 info
| Location: | Progressive Field, Cleveland, OH |
| Date: | Saturday, 10-5-2024 |
| First pitch: | 1:08 p.m. ET |
| TV: | TBS |
| Tigers starting pitcher: | Tyler Holton (7-2, 2.19 ERA) |
| Guardians starting pitcher: | Tanner Bibee (12-8, 3.47 ERA) |
Tigers vs Guardians latest injuries
Tigers vs Guardians weather
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