• Alex Cobb and the Guardians visit Carlos Rodón and the Yankees in Game 1 of the ALCS on Monday night
• NYY went 4-2 against CLE in the regular season and is a big home favorite in Game 1
• Below, see the Cleveland Guardians vs New York Yankees Game 1 predictions, best odds, and props to target

The two best teams in the American League during the regular season will meet in the 2024 ALCS as the New York Yankees (94-68, 44-37 home) get set to host the Cleveland Guardians (92-69, 42-39 away) in Game 1 of the best-of-seven series on Monday night (7:38 pm ET) at Yankee Stadium.

Cleveland Guardians vs New York Yankees Game 1 Predictions

• Guardians +1.5 (-155) at ESPN Bet
• Under 7.5 (-115) at BetMGM 

Sascha Paruk’s 2024 MLB playoff betting record: 19-17 (+3.18 units)

ESPN BET

Get a First Bet Reset Up To $1,000 if Your First Bet Loses!

Must manually enter promo code DIME to claim offer.

LOCK IN PROMO

CODE: DIME

CODE: DIME

SIGNUP OFFER

USE PROMO CODE
DIME

FIRST BET RESET UP TO $1,000

GET OFFER NOW

With Alex Cobb on the mound for Cleveland, Guardians fans have ample reason for concern. Cobb missed almost the entirety of the regular season due to injury and was tagged for two runs on three hits and a walk in just 3.0 innings against the Tigers in his lone postseason start. But his peripherals suggest he’s going to get better results on Monday against the Pinstripes. He had a FIP of 2.83 in that start against the Tigers and his velo was just fine.

Cobb’s only other playoff experience game over a decade ago with the Rays (2013) when he allowed just two earned runs over 11.2 innings (1.57 ERA) with ten Ks.

But the main reason I’m backing the Guardians runline along with the under is the Cleveland bullpen. The Guardians led the majors in bullpen ERA (2.57) and FIP (3.30), and though their relievers have looked moderately fallible so far in the postseason, I expect that immensely talented group to keep the Yankee bats in check in Game 1.

I was tempted to bet the Cleveland moneyline at plus-money (as long as +140) but Rodón has a solid history against the few Guardian batters who have faced him: five hitters have combined for a .210 average and .612 OPS against Rodón, which is mostly comprised of Jose Ramirez’s 10-for-43 performance (.233 avg) with zero home runs.

And the Yankee bullpen is solid in its own right. Not only did the group finish sixth in the majors with a 3.62 ERA and 11th with a 3.96 FIP, it is also riding an impressive shutout streak entering the ALCS. The New York relievers didn’t allow a single earned run in 16.0 IP against the Royals in the ALDS.

CLE vs NYY Game 1 Starting Pitchers: Cobb vs Rodón

Best Guardians vs Yankees Game 1 Odds

The Guardians vs Yankees Game 1 odds show a little variety from book to book. The best Guardians moneyline ranges from +135 to +140, with ESPN Bet, Caesars, and bet365 having the longest odds currently. The best Yankees moneyline is at BetMGM, where they are -160 to win Game 1 straight-up.

The longest odds on the NYY runline of -1.5 is +135 at both Caesars and BetMGM, while ESPN Bet and bet365 have the best odds on the CLE runline of +1.5 at -155.

The run total is sitting at 7.5 across the board in Monday’s MLB odds. Most books, including bet365, DraftKings, and ESPN Bet, list over 7.5 at even money. The best price on under 7.5 is -115 at BetMGM.

The Yankees are currently the second-favorite to the Dodgers in the World Series odds at +185. Cleveland is a +550 longshot to win its first championship since 1948.

The post Guardians vs Yankees Game 1 Predictions, Best Odds & Picks (Oct. 14) appeared first on Sports Betting Dime.