MLB

Athletics vs Guardians

Underdog green eyes mid-summer upset on Lake Erie

Athletics

Athletics (41-58) VS Guardians (47-49)

July 20, 2025 | 1:40 PM ET | Progressive Field, Cleveland

Cleveland Guardians
Moneyline Pick - Oakland Athletics (+110): B

Cleveland returns home looking to stabilize after a brief stumble, facing a matchup that plays into their strengths despite a few ongoing absences. While the Guardians remain without key rotation pieces and a big bat in the middle of the order, they draw a favorable starting-pitching matchup against an opponent already slipping out of postseason relevance. Progressive Field’s dimensions and Cleveland’s bullpen depth—particularly in close, low-scoring games—give the home side the edge if the offense can scrape together early production. Even with recent struggles at the plate, the combination of familiarity and urgency should keep the Guardians in control.

This prediction backs Cleveland to cover the run line at home, where their overall performance trends better and they face a team with less to play for. It’s not a slam-dunk, but the pressure of staying in the playoff mix should bring a sharper, more focused effort—especially against a vulnerable bullpen late.

This prediction gets a B grade. Odds and availability subject to change. Follow Shurzy on Instagram and Tiktok for more expert picks.

This bet was made on 20/07/2025 at 10:20am

Over/Under Pick - Under 8.5, (-115): B

Cleveland enters this matchup with reliable starting pitching and a bullpen that’s kept games manageable, even as the offense continues to deal with some key absences. Their opponent arrives similarly short-handed and out of rhythm, creating the conditions for a slower-paced game at Progressive Field. While neither side has delivered much scoring lately, both managers are likely to lean on their deeper bullpen pieces as they navigate the back half of the season, especially with playoff positioning beginning to matter more.

This looks like one of those tightly managed July games where every pitch is scrutinized and offense comes at a premium. Between thin lineups and steady arms on both sides, the number feels a touch high. Backing a low total makes sense when neither team is built to run away with it, especially in a ballpark that tends to reward pitching depth this time of year.

This prediction gets a B grade. Odds and availability subject to change. Follow Shurzy on Instagram and Tiktok for more expert picks.

This bet was made on 20/07/2025 at 10:22am

Spread Pick - Athletics, +1.5 (-190): B-

Cleveland enters this one looking to snap a rough stretch, and the pressure is mounting as they hover below .500 deep into the season. The rotation remains in flux without key arms, and the offense has struggled to string together quality innings. While they have the home-field edge and some bullpen reliability, overall production has dipped just as the schedule begins to tighten. That opens the door for visiting clubs to hang around, especially if they can capitalize on early traffic or a shaky middle inning.

In matchups like this—where scoring has been inconsistent and both bullpens are leaned on heavily—the extra run on the board becomes more valuable than flashy momentum or star power. Even if the favorite finds its footing late, asking for a multi-run cushion feels ambitious. Given current form and the way recent games have played out, taking the run and a half offers a practical, risk-aware angle.

This prediction gets a B- grade. Odds and availability subject to change. Follow Shurzy on Instagram and Tiktok for more expert picks.

This bet was made on 20/07/2025 at 10:24am

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