The Cleveland Guardians (3-0) travel to face off against the Oakland Athletics (0-3) on Sunday, March 31st. This game will be played at Oakland Coliseum in Oakland and televised on BSGL. The Guardians are coming off a win in their previous game, while the Athletics are looking to get back on track from a loss to the Athletics. First pitch is set for 4:07 ET.

Guardians vs Athletics

The Guardians bounced back in a big way in the last game of this series, taking down the Athletics by a score of 12-3. Despite being on the road, the Guardians were the -137 favorite coming into the game. Cleveland had 15 hits compared to just six for Oakland.

Tanner Bibee got the start for Cleveland and went four innings, giving up three earned runs. Nick Sandlin got the win out of the bullpen, while JP Sears took the loss, giving up five earned runs in just 3 2/3 innings of work.

Steven Kwan led the Guardians’ offense with a three-hit day, including a home run. Gabriel Arias also drove in two runs, while Brayan Rocchio went 2/5 with two doubles.

Carlos Carrasco Gets The Start For The Guardians

Carlos Carrasco will be making his first start of the season for the Guardians after spending last year with the Mets. In 20 starts, Carrasco went 3-8 with an ERA of 6.80. His WHIP was 1.70, and opponents hit .297 off him. Carrasco had three quality starts last year and averaged 6.6 strikeouts per nine innings. His walks per nine innings average was 3.8, and he gave up a total of 18 home runs.

Guardians Offense Breakdown

For the Guardians, José Ramírez has the 2nd highest total hits projection on the team and is also the top player in terms of home run projections. His home run projection is 11th best in the league for today. Bo Naylor has the 8th best total hits projection for the Guardians and his home run projection is 13th best in the league. Steven Kwan has the highest total hits projection on the team and his home run projection is 20th best in the league.

Paul Blackburn Gets The Start For The Athletics

Paul Blackburn is coming off a season in which he made 20 starts and finished with a record of 4-7. His ERA for the season was 4.43, and he finished with a WHIP of 1.54. Blackburn made six quality starts and allowed a total of 11 home runs. His strikeout-to-walk ratio for the season was 2.4, and he finished the year with an average of two walks per game. Blackburn’s FIP for the season was 3.96, and opponents had an OPS of .775 against him.

Athletics Offense Breakdown

For the Athletics, we like Zack Gelof to have a big game at the plate. He has the highest total hits projection on the team and his home run projection is 2nd best on the team and 8th best in the league today. Brent Rooker has the top home run projection for the Athletics and 7th best in the league today.

 

Guardians vs Athletics Prediction

 

At +102, the Athletics are our recommended pick to get the win over the Guardians. We have the final score at 6-5 in favor of the Athletics. If you’re looking for a payout, the Athletics on the money line is the way to go.

Looking at the starting pitchers, Carlos Carrasco is projected to finish with six strikeouts, while Paul Blackburn is projected to finish with four. Blackburn is our predicted to finish with a better ERA than Carrasco, and we have him finishing with a better chance to pick up the win.

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All odds are courtesy of Action247 Sportsbook. Good luck!!

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* All odds are provided by Action247 Sportsbook and all odds subject to change.**All views expressed are my own. My picks are my own and are not a guarantee, bet at your own risk.Action247 does not warrant the accuracy of completeness of the information, text, graphics, links or other items contained within these post.