The San Diego Padres are set to clash with the Cleveland Guardians at Progressive Field on July 21, 2024, with a scheduled start time of 1:40 PM. Weather conditions are expected to be predominantly overcast. Taking charge on the pitcher’s mound for the Padres will be Michael King, who carries an impressive ERA of 3.405. His counterpart from the Guardians will be Ben Lively, who enters the game with an ERA of 3.580.

In terms of standings within the 2024 NL West, the Padres are 9th, boasting a balanced record of 51 wins and 50 losses. Their divisional performance shows 15 wins against 17 losses, situating them at 3rd within the division. They enter this game with momentum, having won 3 of their last 10 games, and currently on a winning streak of one game. Home and away records are nearly even, with 26 wins at home and 25 on the road. During daytime matchups, they have secured 22 victories.

The Guardians hold a stronger position in the 2024 AL Central Division, ranked 2nd with a 59-38 record, and a winning percentage of 0.61. They lead their division with 15 wins compared to 13 losses and have picked up 4 wins in their last 10 outings. Their robust home record stands at 31-12, while they are slightly less dominant on the road with a 28-26 record.

Betting lines and odds add an intriguing layer to this matchup. The Padres are slightly favored on the money line at -106, indicating a close game against the Guardians who are marked at -112. The point spread is set at 1.5, suggesting expectations of a tight contest, while the over/under is pitched at 8.0, which could lead to a moderate scoring game. With such odds, how each pitcher handles their inning could be crucial in a game poised on a knife-edge.