MLB Lines: ALCS Game 2

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MLB Lines: ALCS Game 2

The Cleveland Guardians and New York Yankees face off in Game 2 of their best-of-seven American League Championship Series (ALCS), with MLB Lines favoring the Yankees after a solid Game 1 win. 

The Yankees advanced after beating the Royals in four games in the ALDS, while the Guardians outlasted the Tigers in a five-game series to reach this point. Game 2 will feature Cleveland’s reliable right-hander Tanner Bibee (0-0, 2.08 ERA) against Yankees’ ace Gerrit Cole (1-0, 3.00 ERA). First pitch is set for 7:38 pm EST in the Bronx.

BUSR’s MLB Lines

Cleveland Goes with Bibee

The Cleveland Guardians are chasing their first World Series title since 1948, and a victory in Game 2 will bring them one step closer. Cleveland is looking to rebound after a tough loss in Game 1, where starter Alex Cobb struggled, and the Guardians’ offense sputtered. 

In Game 2, they will turn to Tanner Bibee, their most consistent pitcher this season. In two postseason starts, Bibee has yet to record a decision but has posted an impressive 2.08 ERA across 8.2 innings, allowing only eight hits while striking out nine.

Bibee’s strong season saw him finish with a 12-8 record and a 3.47 ERA over 31 starts. His strikeout numbers were solid, fanning 187 batters in 173.2 innings while giving up just 22 home runs. Bibee has been incredibly influential on the road, with a 7-4 record and a 2.76 ERA in 15 away starts. 

Though he didn’t face the Yankees during the regular season, his ability to handle pressure on the road could be critical for Cleveland. 

Cleveland’s bullpen has been a strength throughout the postseason, and manager Stephen Vogt has used it effectively to shorten games. With Emmanuel Clase anchoring the back end, Cleveland’s formula has been to let Bibee get into the middle innings before turning it over to the league’s top bullpen.

Yankees Hand It to Ace Cole

The Yankees, seeking their first World Series crown since 2009, look to build on their Game 1 win, which featured strong performances from Carlos Rodon and home runs by Juan Soto and Giancarlo Stanton. 

In Game 2, the Yankees will send their ace, Gerrit Cole, to the mound. Cole, the 2023 AL Cy Young winner, has been sharp in the playoffs, posting a 1-0 record and a 3.00 ERA in two starts. His most recent outing saw him shut down the Royals, allowing just one run over seven innings.

Though Cole missed the first half of the season with a shoulder injury, he returned to go 8-5 with a 3.41 ERA in 17 starts, striking out 99 batters over 95 innings. His lone start against Cleveland this season was a gem, pitching six scoreless innings and allowing just one hit. 

However, Cole’s home performance has been inconsistent, with a 4.31 ERA at Yankee Stadium. The short porch in right field has caused problems for Cole, making him more vulnerable to left-handed power hitters.

Prediction

Cleveland’s strategy revolves around Tanner Bibee pitching efficiently and turning the game to their elite bullpen. The Guardians have won both of Bibee’s postseason starts, mainly because of his ability to pitch into the middle innings, allowing the bullpen to close out games. 

Cole’s struggles at Yankee Stadium, particularly with the long ball, add uncertainty to his effectiveness in Game 2. Expect the Guardians to bounce back, with Bibee continuing his postseason success and Cleveland’s bullpen shutting down the Yankees’ offense late in the game. 

Pick: Cleveland Moneyline (+145)