Bauer, Porcello square off in ALDS opener
Led by a premier rotation, the Indians are back in the playoffs for the first time since 2013. But can Terry Francona’s club generate enough offense to trump a Cy Young front-runner?
Cleveland hosts Rick Porcello and the Red Sox tonight, with an 8:08 p.m. ET first pitch at Progressive Field. Online sports book Bovada.lv gives John Farrell’s gang odds of -144 to seize Game 1 of the ALDS, whereas the Indians represent +134 underdogs. The over/under run total holds steady at 8.5.
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Numerous things went right during the Tribe’s (94-67) renaissance regular campaign. In addition to handcuffing opponents with a devastating array of hurlers, the squad posted a 53-28 record at home. Only the Cubs picked up more victories in their own backyard.
This evening’s challenge, however, promises to be especially stiff. Cleveland must find a way to stop Porcello (22-4, 3.15 ERA), who has cut a swath through the competition in 2016. While slightly less invincible away from Fenway Park, the veteran righty still boasts a 10-4 mark with a 3.35 ERA in 22 career outings against the Indians. He last battled the class of the Central Division on May 22, permitting two runs on five hits across 5 2/3 frames.
Francona counters with a postseason newbie in Trevor Bauer (12-8, 4.26). The 25-year-old stumbled to the finish line, going 3-2 with a 1.38 WHIP in September. Nonetheless, he consistently receives some of the best run support in the majors.
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One wonders if Cleveland will need a few innings to work itself into the contest. Boston’s (93-69) veteran-laden cast, on the other hand, knows exactly how to navigate the October terrain. Expect the visiting bunch to get off to a quick start and put the Tribe in an 0-1 hole.
THURSDAY MLB FREE PICK: RED SOX -1.5