It's a beautiful thing to see a full slate of MLB action all throughout the day. We've got you covered all the way from the 1st game of the day to and through Sunday night baseball on ESPN. Let's get things started with the series finale between the Astros and Guardians. Despite their difference in overall record, they are still 2 teams that are eyeing division-winning seasons. Houston has largely dominated with their elite pitching staff, while the Guardians have relied on arguably the league's best hitter. Such a matchup provides plenty of ways to target this gam e. Along with this same game parlay, be sure to check out our thoughts on the side and total for all of today's games.
Guardians +1.5 (-152)
Under 10.5 total runs (-340)
Jose Ramirez 2+ total bases (+130)
Parlay odds: +400
Let's take a closer look at each leg of our same game parlay.
Cleveland Guardians +1.5 (-152) over Houston Astros
There's no denying that the Astros dominated the 1st half of this series. However, the Guardians have a real opportunity to salvage things and secure the series split on Sunday. First and foremost, there is a much higher chance of the Astros resting a couple of key players for the finale like they did with Jeremy Pena and Kyle Tucker last night. Houston has a 12.5 game lead over anyone else in their division, and has no reason to take any unnecessary risks. Meanwhile, the Guardians are in the midst of a 3-team race for the AL Central lead, with each separated by just 2 games, and cannot afford to take any games off.
Even at full strength Cleveland proved they have the ability to pull off an upset over Houston with Triston McKenzie on the mound. That's exactly what happened in the 1st game of the season between these teams, with a 6-1 Guardians victory. It seems the sharp bettors have also remembered that, as this line opened at +130. McKenzie, nicknamed “Sticks” with his lanky frame, allowed just a single run and just 3 hits in his 7.0 innings of work against the Astros. Following that start, the Guardians went on to win 7 of McKenzie's next 10 starts, including a shutout win over the Yankees. Even if this 1 isn't as dominant, Cleveland can get the day started with an upset.