Astros vs. Guardians: Game 1 predictions, odds and picks — Sept 27, MLB 2024

On Friday, the Houston Astros will kick off a three-game series on the banks of Lake Erie against the Cleveland Guardians. For both clubs, the set will mark the final series of the MLB regular season.

While both teams won their respective divisions this season, both will be looking to close out the regular season on a high note. In the first series of the season between these two teams back in early May, Houston took two of three. Friday's game is scheduled to commence at 6:10 pm ET from Progressive Field.

Astros vs Guardians recent form and records

5-5 throughout their last 10 games, Houston is coming off of a series win against the Los Angeles Angels. On account of their 86-73 record, manager Joe Espada's team will win their division for the fourth straight year, as they now hold a four-game lead over the second-place Seattle Mariners.

Cleveland has been just as good as Houston, if not better. The Guardians' 92 wins are second only to the New York Yankees for the most in the AL. After splitting a four-game set with the Cardinals this week, Cleveland is 7-3 in its last 10 games.

"Astros have a chance to do something funny to the Yankees" - Now extend big Tuck

Players to Watch

Starting Pitchers

HOU: Ronel Blanco (12-6, 2.88 ERA) vs CLE: Joey Cantillo (2-3, 4.63 ERA)

Blanco has a 1.103 WHIP, 3.7 BB/9 and 163 K in 162.1 IP.

Last Start: Win, 6 IP, 7 H, 2 ER, 2 BB, 9 K vs LAA

Career vs CLE: 0-0 4.50 ERA (4 IP, 2 ER) 0 HR in one game

Cantillo has a 1.200 WHIP, 3.3 BB/9 and 37 K in 35 IP.

Last Start: ND, 4.1 IP, 3 H, 1 ER, 3 BB, 6 K vs MIN

Career vs HOU: N/A

Must-Watch Hitters

Houston

In the 16 games since his return from the IL, Kyle Tucker has been making an impact for his team. In addition to hitting .340, Tucker has also slugged 4 home runs and 8 RBIs in those 16 games, including three home runs and five RBIs in his team's recent four-game series against the Los Angeles Angels.

A .308/.392/.567 hitter on the season, Yordan Alvarez is having a career year. A .545 hitter over the past seven days, Alvarez is within three home runs of reaching a career high in the category.

"Yordan Alvarez and Kyle Tucker go back-to-back in Space City! (via @MLB)" - FOX Sports: MLB

In the 23 games since Jason Heyward departed the Los Angeles Dodgers and signed with Houston, the veteran has hit .216 with 4 homers and 9 RBIs. Watch out for Heyward to provide additional postseason insight as the Astros begin October.

Cleveland

Jose Ramirez has quietly put up his third 30-homer season since making his MLB debut in 2013. After clobbering 2 home runs and 5 RBIs in his club's recent series against the St. Louis Cardinals, Ramirez ranks third in OPS across all of MLB over the past seven days.

24-year-old Kyle Manzardo continues to make an impact for Cleveland. Still in his rookie season, Manzardo has hit for a 1.017 OPS, with 3 home runs and 5 RBIs in his past 11 games.

"Kyle Manzardo hits this baseball to the moon" - MLB

Astros vs Guardians baseball betting odds

Friday 27/11	Money Line	Run Spread	Total Runs
Houston Astros	+ 105	+ 1.5 -210	O 8 -105
Cleveland Guardians	- 125	- 1.5 +170	U 8.5 -115

Astros vs Guardians expert picks and game prediction

Despite having a better record over their past ten, the Guardians have scored seventeen fewer runs than Houston over the past fortnight. However, the Astros rank 26th in MLB in batting average over that period, while Cleveland ranks 14th.

Like many games between offensively gifted clubs, this match will likely come down to pitching. With an ERA of just 2.88, Ronel Blanco has been one of Houston's most reliable leader and gives them a considerably better stab at winning than rookie Joey Cantillo, Cleveland's pick.

That said, Cleveland boasts an AL-best 50 wins at home this season, meaning that the game's location will also play a role. It will be close, but expect Cleveland to emerge as the better team.

Run Line: +1.5 -210

Total Runs: O 8 -105

Prediction: Cleveland W, 11-9