MLB Game Preview: Cleveland Guardians (42-48) vs. Houston Astros (55-37)

Date: Wednesday, July 9, 2025
Venue: Daikin Park, Houston, TX
First Pitch: 8:10 p.m. ET
Broadcast: ESPN, SCHN, CLEGUARDIANS.tv

Team Overview & Recent Form

Team	Record	Last 5 Games	Road/Home Split
Cleveland Guardians	42–48	W-W-W-L-W	22–25 (Road)
Houston Astros	55–37	W-W-W-L-L	32–16 (Home)

• Guardians have taken the first two games of this series and lead the season series 3–2.
• Astros are trying to avoid a sweep at home, where they’ve been dominant all season.

Pitching Matchup

Pitcher	Team	Record	ERA	WHIP	Notes
Slade Cecconi	Guardians	3–4	3.56	1.22	Coming off 6 IP, 2 ER vs. Detroit
Brandon Walter	Astros	1–1	4.15	1.30	Struggled in last start: 5 IP, 5 ER vs. Rockies

Cecconi has been steady in recent outings, while Walter looks to rebound after a rough start.

Key Players to Watch

Cleveland Guardians

• Jose Ramirez: .298 AVG, 15 HR, 42 RBI; team leader in all major offensive categories
• Angel Martinez: Grand slam in extra innings Tuesday; 5 HR, 13 doubles
• Carlos Santana: 10 HR, 38 RBI; veteran presence in middle of lineup

Houston Astros

• Isaac Paredes: 19 HR, 49 RBI; six-game hitting streak, batting .318 over last 10 games
• Jose Altuve: .268 AVG, 16 HR, 31 BB; 13-for-38 with 16 RBI in last 10 games
• Jake Meyers: .308 AVG, 15 doubles; consistent contact hitter

Statistical Comparison

Category	Guardians	Astros
Team Batting AVG	.204 (last 10)	.295 (last 10)
Team ERA	4.49	4.90
Home Runs	98	121
Bullpen ERA	5.54 (last 10)	3.84
Run Differential	-16 (last 10)	+12

Despite Cleveland’s recent surge, Houston holds the edge in offensive efficiency and bullpen reliability.

The Guardians are riding momentum and have shown resilience in close games. Cecconi’s recent form and Cleveland’s timely hitting give them a real shot at the sweep. However, Houston’s lineup is stacked with power and experience, and Walter could bounce back at home.