This game between the Guardians and Tigers is scheduled for May 18th, with the first pitch scheduled for 6:40 p.m. ET. The game will be played at Comerica Park in Detroit, Michigan.

My article will preview this game between the Guardians and Tigers by providing an overview of the betting odds and my best bet. Further, this game will be the first of a four-game series between the two teams and is the first of 13 meetings during the regular season.

Betting Analysis

When viewing the current betting odds for this game, it is immediately clear that the Detroit Tigers are the clear betting favourite. As it stands, Detroit is a -154 betting favourite, while Cleveland is coming back as a +130 betting underdog on the MLB odds.

In terms of the runline, you can bet on the Tigers -1.5 at odds of +134,  while backing the Guardians +1.5 carries odds of -162. Finally, the total has been set at 8.5 runs. You can bet Over 8.5 runs at odds of +100, while backing Under 8.5 runs has odds of -122. 

Some betting trends to consider show that Cleveland is 5-1 SU over its last six games, while the Over is 7-3 in their last 10 games. Further, Detroit is 1-5 SU over its last six games played at home, while the Over is 3-7 over their last 10 games.

Cleveland Guardians

Cleveland enters this game with a record of 26-22, having just won two out of three against the Cincinnati Reds over the weekend. The Guardians are now leading the AL Central by 1.0 game over the Chicago White Sox.

Looking to extend their win streak to three games, Cleveland is scheduled to start Slade Cecconi in Game 1 of this series. He is 2-4 and has an ERA of 5.60. Unfortunately for him, he has been even less consistent on the road, posting a 6.60 ERA in 30.0 innings across six starts. 

Detroit Tigers

As for Detroit, they have struggled this season, entering this game with a 20-27 record. The Tigers have fallen into a tie for fourth in the AL Central, losing just two of three games against the Toronto Blue Jays this past weekend. 

Looking to bounce back, the Tigers are scheduled to start Framber Valdez in Game 1 of this series. Valdez has a 2-2 record and an ERA of 4.32. His home splits have also been shaky, as he has a record of 1-1 and has an ERA of 4.50. To this point, Valdez has made a total of three home starts this season, having allowed 11 runs (eight earned) over 16.0 innings.

MLB Prediction: Who Will Win Guardians vs. Tigers?

Considering that both starters have been below-average this season, I will be looking at the Over. The Guardians have been average when it comes to offence, ranking 14th in the league and averaging 4.3 runs. Detroit, on the other hand, has been below average offensively, ranking 22nd in the league and averaging 4.1 runs.

While Detroit has seen its last three games stay under the total, Cleveland has seen the exact opposite. With that, and the struggles both starting pitchers have faced, backing over 8.5 total runs and the Guardians to win 6-4 is my best bet.

GUARDIANS

Away

6

TIGERS

Home

4

Score
Predictions

Matchup