Cleveland Indians (30-24) vs. Baltimore Orioles (19-37)
June 5, 2021 4:05 pm EDT
The Line: Baltimore Orioles -105 / Cleveland Indians -105; Over/Under: -8.5
(Get latest betting odds)
The Cleveland Indians and the Baltimore Orioles meet Saturday in MLB action from Oriole Park. This will be the second installment in a three-game set between these teams this weekend. In the Friday series opener, the Orioles managed a two-run victory. Check back all season long for free MLB picks at Sports Chat Place.
Cleveland managed a series win versus the White Sox this week, taking victories on Monday and Tuesday. In the Friday game against Baltimore, the Indians logged eight team hits but ultimately fell in a 3-1 result. Starter Jean Carlos Meija put up 3.0 innings with one hit and no earned.
For the Saturday starter job, the Indians will send Aaron Civale to the hill. Across his 74.0 innings of work this year, Civale has 61 hits, 28 runs (27 earned), 10 homers allowed, 18 walks, 54 Ks and a 3.28 ERA.
Over on the Orioles’ side, they lost Monday to the Twins but salvaged the series with wins in the next two games. In the Friday opener, Baltimore scored three runs across the seventh and eighth innings on the way to the win. Keegan Akin put up 5.0 innings with three hits and no earned.
For Saturday’s starter job, the Orioles will turn to John Means. Over his 70.1 innings of work this year, Means has 43 hits, 16 earned runs, 11 homers, 13 walks, 68 Ks and a 2.05 ERA overall.
The Indians are 4-1 in their last five in game two of a series and 8-2 in their last 10 on the road versus a lefty starter. Cleveland is 3-8 in their last 11 Saturday games and the over is 4-0 in their last four Saturday games.
Meanwhile, the Orioles are 64-133 in their last 197 home games and 27-58 in their last 85 Saturday games. Baltimore is 16-37 in their last 53 overall and 16-38 in their last 54 in game two of a series.
PICK: I’m going to stick with the Indians. Means has posted some great outings so far this year, but he’s also given up nine earned over his last three starts. That’s somewhat uncharacteristic after his hot start. As for Civale, he gave up four earned on 10 hits in 6.0 innings his last time out, but had just three earned in his previous 15.0 innings. Should be a fun starter matchup regardless, but I like Cleveland a little better.
