Adam Williams presents his prediction for the MLB match.
Clarke Schmidt’s opening performance for the New York Yankees was far from convincing. In Game 1, he gave up five runs over four innings, including two home runs. However, the squad’s power hitters will have a good chance to respond in Game 2, with Tanner Bibee taking the mound for the Cleveland Guardians.
Cleveland Guardians
Tanner Bibee is officially regarded as one of the top rotation options of the Cleveland Guardians, but his form in the early part of the season has been troubling. In two of his four starts, he has surrendered a total of 13 runs and seven home runs. Across the entire MLB, only two pitchers — from the Colorado Rockies and the Tampa Bay Rays — have conceded more home runs (8), with those teams currently sitting 15th and 12th in their respective league standings.
New York Yankees
Backing Tanner Bibee is a gamble, particularly given that the New York Yankees currently top the league in home runs, with 40 in just 23 games. Jazz Chisholm Jr. and Jasson Dominguez both made strong contributions in Game 1. Jazz Chisholm Jr. has now matched Aaron Judge on seven home runs. Alongside Trent Grisham, who has six, all three now sit inside the MLB’s top 15 for home runs. No other team currently has such depth in the upper tier of the home run statistics.
Cleveland Guardians vs New York Yankees Prediction
Although a win for the New York Yankees isn’t assured — especially with Will Warren also showing signs of vulnerability — backing the team’s individual total appears to be a sensible play. They are likely to produce home run opportunities, especially in the opening frames of the contest.
