Guardians vs Pirates Prediction 7/17/26 MLB Picks Today

In this article we will formulate a Guardians vs Pirates prediction for this MLB game on Friday, July 17th at Progressive Field in Cleveland, Ohio. Let’s take a look at the prediction for this MLB matchup. 

Cleveland Guardians Betting Preview

The Cleveland Guardians are 51-46 this season after they swept the Marlins in three games by scores of 3-2, 4-1, and 5-2. In game three, Cleveland had their lead cut to 2-1 in the third inning, but they scored the next three runs to put the game away. The Guardians recorded 11 hits in the game and they were led by Rocchio, who went 2-5 with one home run and two RBIs. Cantillo allowed six hits and one earned run over 5.0 innings for the win, while Gaddis picked up a hold. Prior to that series, Cleveland lost two out of three against the Twins and split four games with the White Sox. 

This season, Cleveland has a 3.71 ERA with a 1.26 WHIP and a .237 opponent batting average, while they have scored 385 runs with a .229 batting average and a .310 on base percentage. Chase DeLauter has led the Guardians with 11 home runs and 46 RBIs, while Angel Martinez has added 11 home runs and 33 RBIs. The projected starting pitcher for Cleveland is Gavin Williams, who is 10-4 with a 3.81 ERA and a 1.15 WHIP over 113.1 innings pitched this season. 

Pittsburgh Pirates Betting Preview

The Pittsburgh Pirates are 50-47 this year after they swept the Brewers in three games by scores of 7-6, 3-2, and 14-5. In game three, Pittsburgh had their lead cut to 4-2 in the fourth inning, but they scored 10 runs in the bottom of the fourth to run away with the easy win. The Pirates recorded 15 hits in the game and they were led by Davis, who went 2-4 with one home run and three RBIs. Skenes allowed three hits and two earned runs over 5.1 innings for the win, while Kelly allowed three earned runs in relief. Prior to that series, Pittsburgh lost two out of three against the Braves, but did win two out of three against the Nationals before that. 

This season, Pittsburgh has a 4.32 ERA with a 1.32 WHIP and a .239 opponent batting average, while they have scored 516 runs with a .263 batting average and a .342 on base percentage. Brandon Lowe has led the Pirates with 21 home runs and 64 RBIs, while Ryan O’Hearn has added 16 home runs and 63 RBIs. The projected starting pitcher for Pittsburgh is Jared Jones, who is 1-1 with a 4.37 ERA and a 1.14 WHIP over 35.0 innings pitched this year. 

Why the Cleveland Guardians will win

• The Pirates have lost 10 of their last 11 road games against American League opponents following a home win.
• The Guardians have won each of their last five night games against the Pirates following a road win.
• The Pirates have failed to cover the run line in each of their last nine Friday games.
• The Guardians have covered the run line in each of their last five games.
• The Guardians have led after 5 innings in 10 of their last 11 games against the Pirates.
• The Pirates have trailed after 3 innings in each of their last six road night games.

Why the Pittsburgh Pirates will win

• The Guardians have lost each of their last six games as favorites against NL Central opponents following a road win.
• The Pirates have won each of their last six games against AL Central opponents.
• The Guardians have failed to cover the run line in each of their last 10 night games at Progressive Field following a win.
• The Pirates have covered the run line in 10 of their last 11 night games against American League opponents that held a winning record.
• The Guardians have trailed after 5 innings in each of their last six night games at Progressive Field against National League opponents.
• The Pirates have led after 3 innings in each of their last four games against AL Central opponents that held a winning record.
• The Pirates have won the first inning in three of their last four games against AL Central opponents.

Total Runs Facts

• Each of the Guardians’ last seven games as favorites against NL Central opponents have gone OVER the total runs line.
• Four of the Pirates’ last five games against AL Central opponents have gone OVER the total runs line.
• There has been no run scored during the first inning in each of the Guardians’ last nine Friday games against National League opponents.
• There has been no run scored during the first inning in seven of Jared Jones’ last eight road appearances as a starter.

Cleveland Guardians Player Prop Facts

• Chase DeLauter has hit a home run in three of the Guardians’ last four games.
• Gavin Williams has recorded a win in six of his last seven appearances against NL opponents.
• Brayan Rocchio has recorded at least one hit in each of the Guardians’ last nine games as home favorites.
• Gavin Williams ranks T5th in the league for Wins (10) this season.

Pittsburgh Pirates Player Prop Facts

• Esmerlyn Valdez has hit at least one home run in three of the Pirates’ last four games.
• Jared Jones has recorded six or more strikeouts in three of his last four appearances against opponents that held a winning record.
• Ryan O’Hearn has recorded at least one hit in each of his last 10 appearances with his team as a road underdog against AL opponents.
• Nick Gonzales ranks 5th amongst qualified players for Batting Average (.308) this season.

Matchup/League Facts

• The Guardians rank 30th in the league for slugging percentage this season (.369).
• The Guardians rank T29th in the league for RBIs this season (368).
• The Pirates rank T1st in the league for runs scored this season (516).
• The Pirates rank 1st in the league for hits this season (886).

Guardians vs Pirates Prediction 

Cleveland comes into this matchup on a four game winning streak and they have allowed two runs or fewer in all four of those wins. The Guardians are 24-22 at home this year, while the Pirates are 23-23 on the road. Pittsburgh has won three in a row and they have scored 29 runs in their last four games. The Pirates are starting Jones, who has allowed one earned run or fewer in three of his last four starts, while Williams has allowed two earned runs in three of his last four outings. Take the Pirates at home here.