One has to love the mid-April Monday up in Boston. Now, that means a game on Patriots’ Day and that starts early before Noon. Both teams have fared pretty well so far this month. Boston is 9-7 while Cleveland leads the American League Central at 10-5. With home-field advantage, the Red Sox might have a leg up in this early Monday matchup Cleveland vs Boston bets take on what figures to be a good one from Beantown.
Let us dive a little deeper into this game and see what angles can be found early on Monday.
Cleveland vs Boston bets lead off and are up early for Monday. Not much seemed expected of Boston on the surface. However, they have proven to be a scrappy bunch in the early going. Meanwhile, though Cleveland lost their ace, the Guardians have managed to win 10 of their first 15 games. It is quite impressive. However, this is a different kind of road game given the circumstances.
So, baseball this time of day takes a little getting used to. If there is a silver lining, it is that we will start to see pitchers getting more leash to go longer into games. Can Cleveland find a way to steal this contest or will Boston send the hometown fans home happy?
Some experts still like Cleveland’s 53.1% chance of making the postseason. This could still prove to be optimistic as Shane Bieber is out for the season. For now, the easier American League Central gives the Guardians a chance. Few are convinced the Kansas City good start will last. That means our Vegas news and picks get a boost.
Anyhow, the BetOnline online Sportsbook review rolls in with some counter moves as the Boston Red Sox have surprised mildly given their lower expectations. They possessed only a 16% chance of making the second season. A 9-7 start has fueled some hope. It would seem that Boston has a few advantages in this Monday matchup.
Okay, the Cleveland vs Boston bets crave some runs for Monday. Now, this is a big risk given the shortening odds at 9.5 runs combined. The feeling is that double-digit runs is increasingly likely. Fenway Park is a well-known bandbox. With warmer temperatures and some breezes, runners could cross home plate at a higher rate by lunchtime.
Now, Boston snapped a four game losing streak by winning consecutive contests over the Los Angeles Angels. Cleveland avoided a sweep at the hands of the New York Yankees with a big Sunday win at Yankee Stadium. Boston averages over five runs at home while Cleveland scores 5.4 runs a game overall. No one figures to be surprised if the teams combine for 10 or greater runs on Monday.
At EVEN odds, the Over on the run total is an opportunity which may not last. Some expect this number to go back to -105 before first pitch. Alas, Xzavion Curry makes his 2024 debut for Cleveland after starting the season on the Injury List. Curry has above average talent but a little wildness and some flatness on that fast ball could be a problem.
Meanwhile, one gets concerned about Kutter Crawford. Crawford pitched amazingly well in his first three starts. Though he has no wins, the eight walk are a bit of a concern. When do those walks turn into runs allowed? That is the big question. Take the Over here.
Okay, it is time to surf the spread with the Cleveland vs Boston bets. Some worry about games with considerable risk. The belief is Cleveland’s bullpen will be taxed heavily. For one, Curry likely will not go five innings. Second, Boston is facing a Guadians’ pitching staff that is fourth-worst in the American League when it comes to walks. Yes, Cleveland is ripe for runs. Normally, a matchup between two of the three top teams in ERA would mean a one-run game.
However, Boston likes playing on Patriots’ Day. It is not a secret. The early start suits them well while Cleveland seemingly has several obstacles working against them. The biggest is that pitching situation. The other problem is the inevitable letdown from beating New York.
Props for batters and pitchers are already out. However, we keep it simple because of that juicy number. If Boston wins by two or more runs, the wager pays at a very solid +155. Simply, the prevailing thought is that win number 10 for the Red Sox feels like an increasing likelihood.
Naturally, runs could come in bunches with favors the Red Sox. Look at the last two games against Los Angeles, Boston scored 12 runs in all. Could six or seven runs be on the docket? Yes. A 7-5 or 8-5 score may be on the docket as both bullpens will be tested in this tilt. Cleveland’s figures to break a little more on Monday afternoon.
MLB Online Betting Sites have a dozen game slate. Aside from the early game, there are 11 more contests on Monday evening. The Mets and Phillies are at home in what expects to see some very warm conditions for April. Runs could be in the offing for both teams as they have plus matchups against the Pittsburgh Pirates and Colorado Rockies.
Buckle up for a wild and exciting MLB Monday night. Good luck!
Chris Wassel is someone who has covered a little bit of everything: business, writing, sports, food, grilling, the Olympics, injuries, politics, and more. He has climbed mountains like Mount Washington and Mount San Jacinto in Palm Springs, California, and for those who don’t know, he is also big into food challenges. With friends like Joey Chestnut and Casey Webb, Chris has tackled eating feats like finishing a 16-pound turkey or a 32-inch meat lover's pizza. Since 2013, he has focused on fitness, fishing, and sports while managing to fit in running, hiking, rock climbing, and even the occasional mini-triathlon. He can lift more than his body weight with ease and is the person you turn to when you want to know if a NASCAR rain delay means a Monday race. Over his career, Chris has worked at places like Amazon, USA Today, and various rumors and fantasy sports sites. He has been nominated for awards such as the Fantasy Sports Writers Association's Hockey Writer of the Year and has a collection of high-stakes fantasy trophies and rings on display at home. With all this, Chris sums it up best with his motto: "Shut up and play."