How To Bet Rays vs. Guardians Game 2

I wrote yesterday about why I liked Shane Bieber and the Guardians over Shane McClanahan and the Rays, and that faith was rewarded with a nice win. So, why not go back to the well in Game 2 and examine that just like Game 1? I really like the Guardians in this series, if you couldn't already tell, and I'll gladly talk about why. Not only do I like them in this series, but I actually think they have a real chance to represent the American League with their path to the World Series. But that is a discussion for another article at some point in time. Let's take a look at Game 2 between the Rays and Guardians.

This game will feature two great starting pitchers in the form of Tyler Glasnow vs. Triston McKenzie. Glasnow returned from the 60-day injured list to make his season debut last Wednesday and will now be a significant part of the Rays' pitching staff in the postseason. In his last regular season game, he was stretched out a bit further, going 3.2 scoreless innings and allowing two hits and a walk while striking out seven in a loss to the Red Sox. He did not factor into the decision. Over the two outings he did have this year, he's allowed one run on four hits and two walks while striking out 10 batters over 6.2 innings.

Glasnow hasn't pitched very much at all in 2022, and these are the type of guys I love to fade in the postseason. While he may be fresh in terms of how much work he's gotten, I still think the rust he will have doubles in a playoff game. Since 2020, Glasnow has been much worse on the road than at home. He owns a 3.39 ERA on the road in that time span, compared to 2.84 at home. We can't really dive into his stats this season since he hasn't played, but generally, he's not at his best when traveling. And this is a playoff game atmosphere in Cleveland.

Meanwhile, Cleveland will have Triston McKenzie on the mound as they try to get the 2-game sweep of the Rays. In his last start, he allowed one run on four hits over five frames against the Royals. He struck out four and did not factor in the decision. The right-hander ended his regular season by allowing three or fewer runs in his final 11 starts, posting a 2.27 ERA through 71.1 innings during that stretch. On the year, McKenzie registered an impressive 2.96 ERA with a 190:44 K-to-BB across 31 appearances. He's been dominating everyone he has come across, and against this Rays offense, I am happy to back him. Tampa Bay is 2-9 in their last 11 games, so fading them recently has brought in some nice profits.

The Guardians are a young team that has no expectations, and that can be very dangerous in the postseason. I like their chances going forward. I like Cleveland in this game, but I also like the under. I don't see this being a high-scoring affair in any way between these guys, and the Tampa offense being so awful lately.