Cleveland Indians (30-24) vs. Baltimore Orioles (19-37)
June 4, 2021 7:05 pm EDT
The Line: Baltimore Orioles +100 / Cleveland Indians -110; Over/Under: +9
(Get latest betting odds)
The Cleveland Indians and the Baltimore Orioles meet Friday in MLB action from Oriole Park. This will the the first installment in a three-game set between these teams. The Orioles are coming off a series versus the Twins, winning two of those three games. As for the Indians, they played the White Sox this week. Cleveland also won two of their three outings. Check back all season long for free MLB picks at Sports Chat Place.
Cleveland took an 8-6 loss courtesy of the White Sox in the first Monday game, but bounced back with a 3-1 win in game two. The Indians also won 6-5 on Tuesday to take that series. Shane Bieber managed a solid 7.0 innings with two earned on five hits in that one.
For the starting role Friday, the Indians are sending out Jean Carlos Meija. This will be Meija’s first opportunity for a start in his career; he’s made three scoreless relief appearances so far this season. Meija is 1-0 with seven Ks in that stretch.
Over on the Orioles’ side, they fell 3-2 to the Twins in the Monday game, but bounced back to take the set with wins Tuesday 7-4 and Wednesday 6-3. In the Wednesday win, the Orioles’ Matt Harvey lasted 3.0 innings with two hits and one earned.
For the starter role Friday, the Orioles are sending out Keegan Akin. So far Akin has five games with 15.0 innings, 14 strikeouts and a 4.80 ERA. He also carries a 1.33 WHIP. This will be Akin’s second start of the year.
The Indians are 8-2 in their last 10 road games versus a lefty starter and 4-9 in their last 13 after an off day. Cleveland is 1-4 in their last five in game one of a series and 0-4 in their last four Friday games.
Meanwhile, the Orioles are 64-133 in their last 197 home games and 16-37 in their last 53 overall. Baltimore is 18-43 in their last 61 Friday games and 16-39 in their last 55 versus the AL Central.
PICK: I’m going to take a stab on the Indians. This is probably going to be a solid starting pitcher matchup regardless, though. Meija was originally supposed to take Eli Morgan’s start Wednesday but had it pushed back due to a rainout. As for Akin, he gave up one run in 4.2 innings in his first start on Sunday. I like both guys to pitch well here, with Cleveland taking a tight game.
