When you see a team rush out to a double-digit lead at the top of the division, it’s natural to start to believe that there is no way back for the teams chasing the leader. There will come a time when a lead of that size will almost certainly be insurmountable, but with two-thirds of the season still to come, it might be a little too early to claim that any division race is done. We have seen it before, with teams looking unbeatable suddenly tanking and giving up massive leads.
To this point in the season, the Minnesota Twins have been one of the best teams in the MLB, so it’s not that surprising to see them having a double-digit lead in the AL central. They have never fallen prey to a sweep this season, but that record in now in jeopardy, as they are heading into the final game of their series with the Indians after losing the first two. The Cleveland Guardians are favored by 1 ½ in this one, with the run total set at 8 ½.
Twins vs Indians MLB Betting Odds, Game Info & Expert Prediction
- When: Thursday, June 6 at 7 PM EST
- Where: Progressive Field, Cleveland
- TV: ESPN+
- Radio: Minnesota / Cleveland
- Live Stream: MLB.tv
- Starting Pitchers: Berrios Vs Bauer
- MLB Odds: Indians -1.5 (+170)
Why bet on the Minnesota Twins?
The Minnesota Twins have been the model of consistency all season long, which is why it is perhaps so strange to see them sitting on the brink of a series sweep. It probably shouldn’t be that surprising, though, as the Twins have not had their way with the Indians this year, going 2-3 SU in the previous 5 meetings this season. That aside, though, Minnesota has been outstanding, sitting at the top of the AL Central Division with a 40-20 record.
With the two losses to the Indians, their lead has been cut to 9 ½ games, so they still have a very comfortable cushion to rest on. Minnesota are 21-11 SU on the road this season and are 11-8 ATS as a road underdog. The Twins will send Jose Berrios (7-2, 3.27 ERA) to the mound for this one.
Team Statistics
Offense:
- Runs: 5.92
- Hits: 9.41
- Walks: 3.14
- Strike Outs: 7.68
Defense:
- Runs: 4.12
- Hits: 8.20
- Walks: 2.75
- Strike Outs: 8.68
Why bet on the Cleveland Indians?
When the Cleveland Indians are playing well, they look like one of the better teams in the American League. The problem they have right now is that those spells of playing very good ball have not come around often enough. They have certainly risen to the occasion in this series, winning both games and outscoring the Twins 14-9 in the process.
The Indians are now back over the .500 mark at 31-20 after winning back to back games, and you get the sense that a sweep here might just serve as a foundation for a positive streak of form. They are, though, still just 5-5 in their last 10 games, taking their home record to 17-14 this season. The Indians have underwhelmed as a home favorite, going 12-15 ATS. They will send Trevor Bauer (4-5, 3.76 ERA) to the mound for this one.
Team Statistics
Offense:
- Runs: 3.98
- Hits: 7.30
- Walks: 3.80
- Strike Outs: 8.63
Defense:
- Runs: 4.20
- Hits: 8.03
- Walks: 2.77
- Strike Outs: 9.355
Twins vs Indians MLB Betting Trends
- Twins are 15-5 SU in the last 20 games
- The total went OVER in 4 of the Twins’ last 6 games played in June.
- Indians are 11-5 SU in the last 16 games played in June
- The total went UNDER in 4 of the indians’ last 6 games this season
Expert Pick and Final Score Prediction for Twins vs Indians
As mentioned earlier, the Twins have yet to be swept in a series this year, and while they have looked second best through the first two games in this one, I think they win and avoid that sweep one more time.
Minnesota Twins 5 Cleveland Indians 2
