Tigers vs. Guardians: ALDS Game 5 predictions, odds and picks — Oct. 12, MLB 2024

Baseball fans are in for a good one as the Detroit Tigers and Cleveland Guardians match up on Saturday for a Game 5 finale. Both teams are tied at two games apiece after Cleveland defeated Detroit by a score of 5-4 on Thursday.

Both squads will certainly be going all out as this could be their last game of the MLB season. And with both of these teams coming out of the AL Central, it makes it much more exciting.

Tigers vs Guardians recent form and records

With an 86-76 record, the Tigers had to claw their way to the postseason, and have not looked back. Led by ace Tarik Skubal, they are 7-3 in their last 10 games, but need this victory to make things count.

The Guardians, on the other hand, had an better path to the postseason. They finished the regular season with a 92-69 record, capturing the AL Central. In their last 10 games, they are an even 5-5 with all the pressure falling on Saturday.

Players to Watch

Starting Pitchers

Detroit: Tarik Skubal (18-4, 2.39 ERA) vs Cleveland: Matthew Boyd (2-2, 2.72 ERA)

In 192 innings, Skubal leads all other pitchers in regular season strikeouts with 228 while holding down an AL-leading 2.50 WHIP.

Last Start: Win, 7 IP, 3 H, 0 ER, 8 Ks vs Cleveland.

Career vs Cleveland: 2-2, 3.46 ERA over eight appearances.

Through 39.2 innings, Boyd holds a 2-2 record with a 2.72 ERA.

Last Start: L, 4.2 IP, 4 H, 0 ER, 5 Ks vs Detroit.

Career vs Detroit: No record, 0 ERA over two appearances.

Must-Watch Hitters

Cleveland

You cannot talk about the Cleveland Guardians without mentioning Jose Ramirez. He is coming off a Game 4 performance where he sent a rocket over the fence to help his club make it to a Game 5.

He finished the season tying a career-high of 39 home runs and should be locked in on Saturday. He is currently being listed at +500 to hit a home run, which would not be a bad payout.

Josh Naylor is another player to watch on the Cleveland side. He is known for his power, and the Guardians will need all the help they can get with Skubal on the bump.

Detroit

Kerry Carpenter is expected to be a game-time decision to play on Saturday. He is dealing with a hamstring injury that took him out of Game 4. He is an important bat in their lineup, and it would hurt the club if he could not go.

Riley Greene is another bat to watch for in Game 5. He has the power to lift Detroit to victory and is having the best season of his young career.

Guardians vs Tigers baseball betting odds

Saturday 10/12	Money Line	Run Spread	Total Runs
Detroit Tigers	-125	-1.5 +150	O 6 -105
Cleveland Guardians	+105	+1.5 -185	U 6 -115

Guardians vs Tigers expert picks and game prediction

Coming into this Game 5, there are many questions surrounding both squads. Will Carpenter be in the lineup for the Tigers? Does Boyd have what it takes to stack up against the best pitcher in the league?

It could be a tight-scoring game, and that seems to be the general expectation with an O/U of six runs. The game could come down to whichever starting pitcher flinches first.

Run Line: +1.5 -185

Total Runs: U 6 -115

Prediction: Cleveland W, 3-1