Guardians vs. Yankees: ALCS Game 2 Preview
After a tough 5-2 loss in the series opener, the Cleveland Guardians are gearing up for a critical Game 2 against the New York Yankees in the American League Championship Series (ALCS). The stakes are high as the Guardians (92-69, 42-39 away) look to even the best-of-seven series at Yankee Stadium on Tuesday night at 7:38 PM ET. The Yankees (94-68, 44-37 home) will send their ace, Gerrit Cole, the reigning AL Cy Young winner, to the mound, while the Guardians will counter with their top starter, Tanner Bibee.
Guardians vs. Yankees Game 2 Odds
As the teams prepare for this pivotal matchup, the odds reflect the Yankees’ status as favorites. Here’s a breakdown of the current betting lines:
| Team | Moneyline | Runline | Total |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cleveland Guardians | +145 | +1.5 (-155) | O 7.5 (+115) |
| New York Yankees | -175 | -1.5 (+130) | U 7.5 (-135) |
The Yankees are favored at -175, translating to a 63.64% implied win probability, while the Guardians are positioned as +145 underdogs, with a 40.82% chance of victory. Most sportsbooks have set the run total at 7.0, with the under slightly favored at -135.
The Yankees’ Momentum
Following their Game 1 victory, the Yankees have regained momentum in the ALCS and are now positioned as favorites to win the World Series, with odds as short as +125. Their recent performance has solidified their status as a formidable contender, especially after the Los Angeles Dodgers’ loss to the Mets.
Starting Pitchers: Bibee vs. Cole
The matchup on the mound is particularly intriguing, as both pitchers have shown their capabilities throughout the season.
Tanner Bibee
- Record: 12-8
- ERA: 3.47
- xERA: 3.80
- WHIP: 1.12
- K%: 26.3%
Bibee has made two postseason starts, both against the Detroit Tigers, and has been effective, particularly in his first outing where he pitched 4.2 scoreless innings. However, his history against the Yankees is limited and concerning; in just 17 at-bats, the Yankees have a .353 average against him, with an OPS of 1.038. Notably, Aaron Judge has never faced Bibee, which could play a significant role in the matchup.
Gerrit Cole
- Record: 5-0
- ERA: 3.41
- xERA: 3.59
- WHIP: 1.13
- K%: 25.4%
Cole, on the other hand, has a more extensive track record against the Guardians. In 127 at-bats, Cleveland hitters have managed a .236 average and a .759 OPS against him. However, Jose Ramirez has been a thorn in Cole’s side, boasting a .353 average with two home runs in 34 at-bats. Josh Naylor also poses a threat, having hit three home runs off Cole in his career.
Public Betting Trends
As of a few hours before the first pitch, public betting trends heavily favor the Yankees. Approximately 93% of the moneyline handle is on New York, with 79% backing the Yankees to win by more than one run. The run total has seen a slight lean towards the over, with 65% of the handle and 66% of tickets betting on over 7.0 runs.
| Team | Moneyline Handle% | Moneyline Bet% | Runline Handle% | Runline Bet% | O/U Handle% | O/U Bet% |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Guardians | 7% | 8% | 21% | 23% | 65% | 66% |
| Yankees | 93% | 92% | 79% | 77% | 35% | 34% |
Predictions for Game 2
While Cole may not be at the peak of his performance compared to last season, he remains a significant challenge for the Guardians, who have struggled offensively in the postseason, averaging just 3.5 runs per game. The Guardians’ lineup has not been particularly explosive, ranking below the median in several offensive categories during the regular season.
Conversely, while the Yankees have impressive stats against Bibee, it’s essential to note that they did not face him during the regular season. The Guardians’ bullpen, which has been the best in MLB, could also play a crucial role in keeping the game competitive.
Game 2 Picks:
- Under 7.5 runs (-135) at ESPN Bet
- Bibee over 12.5 outs recorded (-140) at DraftKings
As the Guardians look to bounce back and even the series, all eyes will be on the mound as two of the league’s top pitchers face off in what promises to be an exciting and pivotal game in the ALCS.