MLB Predictions : CC vs. Kluber Who You Got? 10/11/17

Posted on October 11, 2017

Game 5 is the new Game 7 when you’re talking about the ALDS. That’s exactly where the Yankees and Indians find themselves as New York looks to complete the improbable comeback after starting off the series down 2-0. Both teams have won all their games at home which would seem to give Cleveland the edge in this one. How confident are the MLB Predictions Yankees Indians Game 5 though after starter Corey Kluber’s game two struggles?

Odds

Oddsmakers have to favor the home team in this one – and they did in a huge way making Cleveland a -190 favorite behind Kluber. The Yankees counter with 37-year-old CC Sabathia and find themselves +170 on the moneyline. The total is set at 7.5 but there’s a solid 14 MPH wind coming in from left field at Progressive Field.

New York Yankees

One thing Sabathia brings to the mound Wednesday night is experience as this will be his 20th career postseason start. This is his first postseason trip in five years but the left hander was solid in game two, giving up just 2ER on 3H while pitching into the 6th inning. New York is in a good situation if Sabathia struggles however thanks to 7.0 IP by Luis Severino in game four they were able to rest their bullpen for the most part. The Indians on the other hand only got 1.2 IP out of Trevor Bauer and were forced to burn 7 relievers.

Cleveland Indians

A lengthy outing from Kluber is imperative for the MLB predictions Yankees Indians game 5. This is not only due to Cleveland’s tiring bullpen, but also because Kluber was just not himself in game two. The right-hander gave up six runs on seven hits in just 2.2 IP and allowed HR to Gary Sanchez and Greg Bird. Kluber was Cy-Young worth in the offseason though going 18-4 with a 2.25 ERA. Are we going to see the regular season Kluber in game 5 or the one we saw in game two?

MLB Predictions Yankees Indians Game 5

The easy pick based on past trends in this game is the Indians. They hit lefties well going 8-1 in their last nine against Southpaws while the Yankees have lost six straight postseason games away from Yankee Stadium. Despite his struggles in game 2, the Indians are 6-0 in Kluber’s past six starts. New York is also just 1-4 in Sabathia’s last five against the Yankees. Anything can happen in the MLB Predictions Yankees Indians Game 5, and there’s no value in Cleveland at -200. With the Yankees bullpen advantage and the ability for Aaron Judge to give them instant offense it has to be the play.