'%20x='0'%20y='0'%20height='100%25'%20width='100%25'%20%0A%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20xlink%3Ahref='data:image/jpg;base64,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'%3E%3C/image%3E%3C/svg%3E)
The Houston Astros hold a 2-0 lead over the Cleveland Guardians in the ongoing series between the two American League division-winning teams. The road team has outscored the opponents 9-5 in two games so far and also have won four of the five games played between them in 2024.
Astros vs. Guardians recent form and records
The Astros won the American League West division for the seventh time in the last eight years and have a 4.0 game lead over the Seattle Mariners before their last game. They have gone 6-4 record in the past 10 games.
The Cleveland Guardians' 5-5 record in the past 10 have kept them alive in the hunt for the best record in the American League. They are 1.0 game behind the Yankees and would be hoping to secure home-field advantage for the postseason with a win Sunday.
Trending
Players to Watch
Starting Pitchers
Ryan Gusto (0-0) vs. Nick Sandlin (8-0, 3.75 ERA, 1.27 WHIP, 68 strikeouts)
The Astros added rookie starter Ryan Gusto to their squad to keep their starters fresh for the Wild Card series.
Last Start: MLB debut
Career vs. Guardians: First appearance
Cleveland will also field a bullpen game with reliever Nick Sandlin expected to start.
Last Start: First start
Career vs. Astros: First appearance
Must-Watch Hitters
Guardians
Josh Naylor has 23 hits in 24 games in September. Jose Ramirez has four home runs in his last 10 games.
Astros
Kyle Tucker has kept his strong on-base percentage after returning from injury. He has 14 hits in his last seven games. Mauricio Dubon has been hitting at a high .338 average in September.
Astros vs. Guardians odds
Astros vs. Guardians expert picks and prediction
Cleveland's bullpen is considered to be one of the best in the league this year. It has a 2.20 ERA over the last 10 games. On the contrary, the Astros lineup has been one of the most consistent this season and has a .265 average over the past 10 games. Following the first two games, the finale is also expected to be a close affair.
Runline: Under 1.5
Total Runs: Under 7.5
Prediction: Guardians 3, Astros 2
