### Tigers vs. Guardians ALDS Game 5 Prediction and Odds: A Decisive Battle Awaits

The Detroit Tigers are set to face off against the Cleveland Guardians in the decisive Game 5 of the American League Division Series (ALDS) on Saturday afternoon. Following a tight 5-4 victory by the Guardians on Thursday, the series stands evenly poised, with the winner advancing to the American League Championship Series (ALCS) to battle the New York Yankees.

Slated to be a thrilling contest, the match has seen some adjustments due to weather concerns, with the first pitch now scheduled for 1:08 PM ET at Progressive Field in Cleveland. The Tigers, led by AL Cy Young favorite Tarik Skubal, come into the game as favorites with a money line of -120. The Guardians, fielding pitcher Matthew Boyd, are listed at +101. The expected run total is set at six, with a lean towards the under at -119.

SportsLine's advanced projection model, which has a strong track record, having gone 32-17 on top-rated run-line picks, simulated this matchup 10,000 times. With these insights, bettors are keeping a close watch on the game. The model's predictions can provide valuable guidance for those looking to make informed wagers.

For the Guardians, an elite pitching staff is their primary strength. Steven Kwan, their agile left fielder, has been exceptional in the playoffs, hitting .500 with a double, four runs, and two walks across four games. First baseman David Fry has also been instrumental, leading the team with five RBIs, while right fielder Lane Thomas has contributed solidly with a .267 batting average and four RBIs.

The Tigers' ace, Tarik Skubal, stands out as a dominant presence on the mound. Known for his impressive velocity and precision, Skubal led the MLB in strikeouts during the regular season with 228 and had a formidable ERA of 2.39. This postseason, he has pitched 13 innings without giving up a single run and recorded 14 strikeouts. Additionally, catcher Jake Rogers has been a consistent performer, both behind the plate and at bat, with a .278 postseason average.

Predicting the outcome of this evenly matched duel is challenging, but with SportsLine’s model leaning towards an overall higher run total of 8.6, fans and bettors alike can anticipate a high-stakes contest. As game day approaches, all eyes will be on Cleveland to see which team will clinch the series and move one step closer to the World Series.