Cleveland Guardians at New York Yankees odds, picks and predictions

The Cleveland Guardians (73-53) and New York Yankees (74-53) wrap up a 3-game series Thursday (MLB Network). First pitch from Yankee Stadium is set for 1:05 p.m. ET. Let’s analyze FanDuel Sportsbook’s lines around the Guardians vs. Yankees odds and make our expert MLB picks and predictions for the best bets.

Season series: Yankees lead 3-2

The Guardians took it on the chin in Wednesday’s game, falling 8-1. Cleveland’s lone run was huge, though, scoring in the top of the 8th to put a bow on the scoring. That seemingly meaningless run flipped the total from the Under (8.5) to an Over.

Cleveland won the 1st meeting Tuesday 9-5 in 12 innings, as the Over (8.5) connected. The Over has a slight 4-3-1 edge in the past road games, while going 3-2 in the past 5 outings.

The Yankees managed just 5 total runs in 3 games in Detroit over the weekend, but New York has rolled up 13 runs of offense in the 1st 2 games against Cleveland. At home, the Over is on a 12-4 streak in the previous 16 contests.

Guardians at Yankees projected starters

RHP Gavin Williams vs. RHP Gerrit Cole

Williams (2-5, 5.02 ERA) makes his 10th start. He has a 1.42 WHIP, 3.1 BB/9 and 9.8 K/9 in 43 IP.

• Last start: Loss, 4 IP, 5 ER, 6 H (1 HR), 2 BB, 5 K in 5-3 road setback vs. Milwaukee Brewers last Friday
• 2024 road splits: 2-1, 2.49 ERA (25 1/3 IP, 7 ER), 1.03 WHIP, .198 opponents’ batting average (OBA), 7 BB, 23 K in 5 starts
• Has never faced Yankees

Cole (4-2, 4.15 ERA) makes his 11th start. He has a 1.37 WHIP, 2.8 BB/9 and 10.4 K/9 in 52 IP.

• Last start: Win, 6 IP, 0 ER, 4 H, 2 BB, 8 K in 3-0 road victory vs. Detroit Tigers last Friday
• 2024 home splits: 1-1, 4.65 ERA (31 IP, 16 ER), 1.42 WHIP, .283 OBA, 5 HR, 8 BB, 39 K in 6 starts
• Career vs. Guardians: 6-2, 3.07 ERA (67 1/3 IP, 23 ER), 0.95 WHIP, 9.5 K/9 in 10 starts

Who’s going yard? Here’s a breakdown of today’s best home run props with our top picks. Include the BetMGM bonus code SBWIRE to score a $1,500 first-bet offer.

Guardians at Yankees odds

Provided by FanDuel Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list. Lines last updated at 7:23 a.m. ET.

• Moneyline (ML): Guardians +140 (bet $100 to win $140) | Yankees -166 (bet $166 to win $100)
• Run line (RL)/Against the spread (ATS): Guardians +1.5 (-152) | Yankees -1.5 (+126)
• Over/Under (O/U): 8.5 (O: +100 | U: -122)

Guardians at Yankees picks and predictions

Prediction

Yankees 5, Guardians 4

The YANKEES (-166) are worth a look in the finale, as New York looks to secure the series win.

The Guardians (+140) can’t be trusted behind Williams despite the fact he has had some tremendous numbers on the road this season. However, Cole’s career numbers against Cleveland trumps that success.

If you’re a bit on the conservative side, consider GUARDIANS +1.5 (-152) as moderate underdogs on the run line.

It’s a risky play, but Cole has had some rather uneven performances this season. He has been just a touch off, and Williams has a solid 2.49 ERA on the road. Cleveland isn’t likely to win it outright, but it should keep things rather close.

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OVER 8.5 (+100) cashed in Wednesday’s game thanks to an oh-by-the-way run late in the 8th inning.

The total has gone high in both meetings in this series, and it’s worth a small-unit play under the sun in the Bronx with Williams and Cole on the bump.

You may love betting on sports, but until college football and the NFL seasons officially start, the pickings can get slim. You can fill some of that time and scratch that itch at online casinos and enjoy slots, blackjack, video poker and more.

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