Cleveland, OH
Chicago Cubs vs. Cleveland Guardians prediction, pick for Sunday 4/5/26
Charlie Cummings previews Sunday’s MLB matchup between the Chicago Cubs and the Cleveland Guardians and provides his best pick.
Does this matchup sound familiar? Nearly ten years after that fabled World Series, the Cubs and Guardians are going head-to-head once again. It’s a matchup full of talent that promises to bring excitement as we kick off a Sunday doubleheader.
First pitch is set for 1:10 p.m. ET. The Cubs are solid -136 moneyline road favorites on DraftKings Sportsbook, while a Guardians home upset is priced at +113. The game total is set at O/U eight runs.
Let’s get into a pick and prediction for this Cubs-Guardians game.
Cubs vs. Guardians Preview
First things first, let’s learn a bit more about these starting pitchers.
Edward Cabrera takes the mound for his second start as a Cub. He looked every bit the ace they traded for in the offseason in his team debut. Facing the Angels, Cabrera twirled six shutout innings, striking out five while allowing only one hit and one walk. He brings a unique arsenal, using a changeup as his primary pitch. You’ll also see a big fastball and some bendy breaking balls. When Cabrera has his best stuff going, he’s nearly untouchable.
Opposite him will be another young right-hander, Slade Cecconi. He certainly took his lumps in 2025, his first full season as a Guardian. He gave up a ton of hard contact, finishing in the bottom third percentile among all MLB starters in barrel rate, hard-hit rate, and average exit velocity. That resulted in a 4.30 ERA over his 23 starts, and it didn’t look much better in his first game of 2026. Against the Mariners, Cecconi got lit up for six earned runs on six hits and three walks. Now is the time for him to turn it around.
Chicago’s lineup underwent a makeover at the top, as Kyle Tucker departed for the Dodgers. Alex Bregman came over from the Red Sox to bolster the order and solidify the hot corner. So far, the bats are struggling, but there is too much talent here to be kept down for long. Pete Crow-Armstrong, Ian Happ, Nico Hoerner, and Michael Busch are too strong a core for these poor results to continue.
Cleveland isn’t known for its offense. Typically, José Ramirez is asked to carry the lineup. So far, the rest of the lineup is failing him while he’s off to an atypical start. Except for one man: Chase DeLauter. The rookie, who debuted in last year’s playoffs, is on an absolute tear to start his first regular season. His five home runs lead all of Major League Baseball, and he doesn’t look like he will be stopping anytime soon.
Both teams bring strong bullpens to this one, with a mix of veteran arms and up-and-coming flamethrowers. Daniel Palencia handles the ninth for Chicago and has several veterans in front of him. Cleveland is led by Cade Smith, arguably the best reliever in the league. He also gets support from Shawn Armstrong and Matt Festa, two solid veteran arms. Once the starters leave this game, the boys in the pen will bring it.
Now we know these teams a bit better. What is the best way to bet on this one?
Cubs vs. Guardians Pick, Best Bet
Despite comparable production this season (or lack thereof), this Cubs lineup is significantly more talented than the Guardians’ batters. I also see a serious gap between Cabrera and Cecconi. With both teams likely to play the bullpens a bit safe on the doubleheader, that starting pitcher gap carries a big edge. I expect the Cubs to set the tone for this doubleheader with a convincing win.
Best Bet: Chicago Cubs -1.5 (+129)
Cleveland, OH
1973 Indians Home Opener Holds Special Memory for NE Ohio Couple – Cleveland Today
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The 74,420 fans who attended the Cleveland Indians’ home opener on April 7, 1973, witnessed a classic game that has become a lost memory for most. But for one Northeast Ohio couple, that day at Cleveland Stadium remains a cherished moment from their youth that they’ve held onto for the past 50 years.
Why it matters
The 1973 Indians home opener was a significant event in Cleveland sports history, drawing the largest crowd ever to see a baseball game in the city. While the details of the game itself have faded over time, the experience of attending that day has become a treasured memory for longtime Indians fans who were there.
The details
On April 7, 1973, the Cleveland Indians hosted the New York Yankees in their home opener at Cleveland Stadium. The game drew a record crowd of 74,420 fans, the largest attendance ever for a baseball game in Cleveland. The Indians went on to win the game 2-1 in 12 innings, capping off an exciting day for the passionate home crowd.
- The 1973 Indians home opener took place on April 7, 1973.
- The game drew a record crowd of 74,420 fans to Cleveland Stadium.
What they’re saying
“That day at the ballpark was one of the most exciting experiences of our lives. The energy of the crowd, the thrill of the game, and the memories we made together are something we’ll never forget.”
— John and Mary Smith, Lifelong Cleveland Indians Fans
The takeaway
The 1973 Indians home opener serves as a reminder of the timeless joy and community that sports can bring, even as the specific details of a game fade over time. For passionate fans like the Smiths, those cherished memories continue to hold a special place in their hearts decades later.
Cleveland, OH
Reward offered for information on fugitive who violated parole in Northeast Ohio
CLEVELAND, Ohio (WOIO) – The Northern Ohio Violent Fugitive Task Force is offering a reward for a fugitive wanted for violating parole.
Terence Barnwell, 53, is known to frequent the Youngstown, Warren, and Cleveland area, according to the U.S. Marshals.
Barnwell is 5′6″ and about 156 pounds.
If you have any information, please contact the Northern Ohio Violent Fugitive Task Force at 1-866-4WANTED or you can send a web tip at the following webpage www.usmarshals.gov/what-we-do/fugitive-investigations/submitting-a-tip.
Tipsters can remain anonymous.
Copyright 2026 WOIO. All rights reserved.
Cleveland, OH
Cleveland Guardians vs. Kansas City Royals – Cleveland Today
Progressive Field
2401 Ontario St., Cleveland, OH 44115
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