Guardians vs. Tigers: Game 4 Preview, Odds and Prediction

Pitching chaos reigned again for the Tigers as Detroit relievers held the Guardians scoreless in Game 3 of the ALDS on Wednesday, allowing just six hits and two walks while recording six strikeouts. Cleveland will turn to Tanner Bibee in Game 4 on Thursday (6:08 p.m. ET) to help the team secure a decisive victory in an elimination game. The Michigan betting apps don't seem to be on the money line for this crucial fourth game.

There is once again pitching chaos on the mound in Detroit. Although the Tigers are up 2-1 in the series and playing at home, they are +100 underdogs according to Caesars Sportsbook. But they were home dogs in Game 3, too, and that didn't matter.

Can Tanner Bibee secure another win?

If the Guardians want to bring the series back to Cleveland for a decisive Game 5, they will need 25-year-old Tanner Bibee to give the team a solid start in Game 4. Bibee started Game 1 for the Guardians and pitched 4 2/3 innings of shutout ball, giving up just four hits and one walk while recording six strikeouts.

Four substitutes held the Tigers scoreless over the remaining 4 1/3, while they scored seven goals.

Bibee was a solid pitcher for the Guardians during the regular season, posting a 3.47 ERA and 1.12 WHIP in 173 2/3 innings. Although his numbers are good overall, he performs even better on the road. In 15 road starts, he posted a 2.76 ERA, a 1.05 WHIP and held opposing batters to a .217 batting average. Michigan's top sports bettors expect Detroit to prevail in Game 4.

But as important as a strong performance on the mound will be for the Guardians, they also need to rediscover their offense. Since allowing seven runs in Game 1, the Guardians have recorded just nine hits while being shut out in Games 2 and 3.

Tigers vs Guardians betting odds

While the Guardians hope Bibee can get them on the right track in Game 4, it's worth pointing out how he performed against the Tigers in the regular season: 22 innings over four starts, 19 hits (.241 opponent BA) and 11 runs (4.50 ERA) and 19 hits.

In two games he did not take the decision into account and split the other two. While he did a good job in Game 1, the rest of his recent history against the Tigers isn't ideal.

However, the punters don't seem too worried. According to an industry average, 63% of moneyline tickets are on the Indians (-115 via BetMGM Sportsbook), but 72% of handles are on the Tigers ML (+100 via Caesars). As for the runline (-1.5 at +160 over Caesars), the Guardians have the most tickets (72%) and handle (85%).

After watching two low-scoring games, bettors are going UNDER (6.5 at +100 over Caesars) on 69% of tickets for 72% of the winnings.

Believe in the bullpen

From the outside looking in, AJ Hinch's pitching chaos strategy might seem a bit silly. But when you look at the numbers, it makes perfect sense.

During the postseason, the Detroit relievers posted a 1.86 ERA over 29 innings (leading the postseason). They gave up 19 hits and six runs, posted a WHIP of 1.0 and held opposing batters to a .186 batting average. Take away Tyler Holton's disastrous 1 1/3 innings of work in Game 1 of the ALDS (four runs allowed), and the numbers are even more impressive.

So if Reese Olson, who is expected to throw the majority of innings in Game 4, can deliver another performance like he did in Game 1 (5 innings, 3 hits, 1 earned run), chances are good that the Tigers Winning the bullpen can punch Detroit's ticket to the ALCS.

Prop bets Guardians vs. Tigers

*See DraftKings for odds

Prop Bet #1: Tanner Bibee Walks Allowed

• 1+ (-300)
• 2+ (+140)
• 3+ (+425)

What you should bet on: It's not uncommon for Bibee to throw a walk or two while pitching, but he often manages to make a complete start without recording a single walk. However, after hitting a game-winning home run in Game 2 with elimination on the line, it wouldn't shock me if they played around Kerry Carpenter all night. Take 2+, but seriously consider five 3+.

Prop Bet #2: Tanner Bibee hit allowed

• 3+ (-245)
• 4+ (-105)
• 5+ (+195)
• 6+ (+390)
• 7+ (+750)

What you should bet on: Bibee gave up just four in 4 2/3 innings in Game 1 and averaged nearly a hit per inning during the regular season. That makes it seem like 4 hits will make up the field, but if the Tigers dial in and try to shut out the Guardians at home, take 5+.

Guardians vs Tigers prediction

The Tigers ML is a solid bet, but again, the UNDER may be too good to pass up. Neither team scored well. Since both bullpens are so good, this trend will likely continue, resulting in another low finish.

Our choice: UNDER 6.5 at +100 (via BetMGM, Caesars and DraftKings)