It’s been a wild ALDS between Cleveland and New York so far. Neither team could sweep on their own field and a rain delay pushed the Game 5 Guardians at Yankees betting matchup to the fourth straight day of play.
New York is a -154 favorite on Monday night and the Bronx is going to be rocking with a chance to move on to the ALCS against Houston. Cleveland has some value at +130, because this is an elimination game and managers sometimes ‘over manage’ in these situations. The Guardians got a win at Yankee Stadium in Game 2, but the stakes are much higher on Monday night.
Can Cleveland Get the Road Win?
The Guardians stole home field advantage with the Game 2 win, but they only managed a split of the two games back at Progressive Field. Cleveland lost 4-2 on Sunday to send the series back to the Bronx, and New York got 7.0 IP out of starter Gerrit Cole. That being said New York had to get the win or face elimination, so manager Aaron Boone used Clay Holmes and Wandy Peralta to preserve the win.
Since the Guardians trailed the whole way in Game 2, manager Terry Francona was also able to keep his top relievers out of the game. Emmanuel Clase, James Karinchak and Trevor Stephan are all ready to go multiple innings if needed. Aaron Civale will get the start and likely go one time through the New York order – two if he is having success. Civale had a 10.00 ERA in two starts vs. New York this season.
Steven Kwan and Amed Rosario have both hit HRs in New York this series, and Jose Ramirez has had a solid series going 7-17 in the ALDS. Kwan is 2-3 in his career against New York starter Jameson Taillon but both teams will likely be turning the game over to relievers sooner rather than later.
Should Be a Wild Crowd in the Bronx
New York was 57-24 at home this season and there’s no atmosphere in sports quite like an elimination game – especially at Yankee Stadium. NYY had just 11 hits over games 1 and 2 at home, but they were able to escape with a series split.
The Yankees still only had six hits on Sunday night but they got yet another Harrison Bader HR, his third of the series. Aaron Judge was 0-8 with 7 K’s over the first two games of the series at home and he’ll have pressure on him in the Game 5 Guardians at Yankees matchup. Josh Donaldson got on base six times in games 1 and 2 (2 hits, 4 walks) so he has a solid chance of being the difference maker on Monday night.
Taillon couldn’t record an out when he pitched on Friday night, allowing all three batters he faced to reach base while giving up 2 runs. Boone is hoping that performance was just a product of nerves in his postseason debut, as 4-5 innings in this spot would go a long way for New York.
Free Game 5 Guardians at Yankees Betting Pick
This game could go a variety of ways based on the managerial moves. That kind of gives Cleveland an edge as Terry Francona has been in these critical situations hundreds of times over his career. Even if Civale struggles – which he very likely will – the Guardians bullpen is lined up perfectly.
Free Pick: Cleveland +130
