On the evening of September 28, 2024, the Houston Astros are set to clash with the Cleveland Guardians at Progressive Field. The game will commence at 6:10 PM under conditions of light rain. Justin Verlander, holding an ERA of 5.197, will take up pitching duties for the Astros, while Ben Lively, with an ERA of 3.866, will stand on the mound for the Guardians.

Looking at the 2024 AL West Division standings, the Astros are currently fourth with an 87-73 record, achieving a .54 winning percentage. They boast a divisional record of 29-23, which places them first in their division. The team’s recent form includes six wins in their last 10 games, and they are riding a one-game winning streak. Their performance on the road shows 41 wins against 38 losses.

The Cleveland Guardians rank second in the AL Central Division, holding a 92-68 record which translates to a .58 winning percentage. They have a divisional record of 30-22, leading their division as well. The Guardians have matched the Astros’ recent run, with six wins in their last 10 games, although they are coming off a loss. Their home record is impressive at 50-29.

Today’s betting odds favor a closely contested game. The point spread is set at 1.5, with an over/under of 8.0 runs. Betting lines show the Astros at an Away Team Money Line of -102, while the Guardians have a Home Team Money Line of -116. This suggests a slight edge towards the Guardians, reflecting their strong home record and slightly better seasonal performance. As both teams have shown similar form recently, bettors will need to consider these odds carefully when placing their bets.