The Cleveland Guardians head to American Family Field in Milwaukee on Thursday, June 18 for a 2:10 PM ET first pitch against the Brewers. Parker Messick gets the ball for Cleveland against Milwaukee's Shane Drohan in an interleague matchup that gives the Guardians a chance to build momentum away from home. With Travis Bazzana leading off and a lineup that blends youth and experience, Cleveland has the pieces to do damage — the question is whether Messick can give them the innings they need to come away with a win.

Starting Pitchers: Parker Messick vs. Shane Drohan

Parker Messick draws the start for Cleveland, and this is a meaningful opportunity for the young left-hander to show what he can do against a Brewers lineup that has some legitimate threats. Messick will need to work efficiently and command both sides of the plate if he wants to keep Milwaukee's bats quiet deep into the game.

Shane Drohan takes the mound for the Brewers. A left-handed starter with developing stuff, Drohan will be tested by a Guardians lineup that has the ability to string together at-bats and put pressure on pitchers who fall behind in counts. Cleveland's ability to work the count against a younger arm like Drohan could be the difference in this one.

Cleveland Guardians Lineup to Watch

• Travis Bazzana (2B, leadoff) — The young second baseman setting the table at the top of the order is exactly the kind of high-energy spark this offense needs on the road.
• Brayan Rocchio (SS, 3rd) — Rocchio in the three-hole gives Cleveland a contact-first option who can protect the runners Bazzana and David Fry put on base.
• Rhys Hoskins (1B, cleanup) — Hoskins is the power presence in this lineup. If Drohan leaves anything over the middle of the plate, Hoskins has the bat to make him pay in a big way.
• Kyle Manzardo (DH, 5th) — Manzardo's development as a designated hitter continues to be one of the more compelling storylines for Cleveland. He needs to keep producing in the middle of the order.
• Kahlil Watson (RF, 8th) — Watson's athleticism and upside make him a name to monitor. Any positive contributions from the bottom of the lineup only add to Cleveland's offensive depth.

Milwaukee Brewers Lineup Threats

Christian Yelich leads off for Milwaukee as the designated hitter, which is not a spot you want to overlook. Yelich's experience and on-base ability at the top of the lineup gives the Brewers an immediate advantage if Messick isn't sharp. Jackson Chourio hits second and provides real power-speed upside that can change a game in a hurry. Andrew Vaughn bats fourth and gives Milwaukee a legitimate run-producer behind Brice Turang. Messick will need to navigate this part of the order carefully — any prolonged stretches of wildness could have the Brewers pushing runs across early.

Keys to the Game

• Messick's command early — If he can get ahead of Yelich and Chourio in the first few innings, Cleveland controls the tempo.
• Exploiting Drohan — The Guardians need Bazzana, Rocchio, and Hoskins to work counts and force Drohan into mistake pitches.
• Bottom-of-the-order production — Kahlil Watson and Austin Hedges hitting eighth and ninth need to manufacture something. Road wins often come from unexpected contributors.
• Bullpen management — If Messick can give Cleveland five or six solid innings, the game becomes much more manageable for whoever follows him.

Prediction

This is a winnable game for Cleveland. Drohan is a pitcher the Guardians should be able to solve with a disciplined, patient approach at the plate. If Messick limits the damage from Yelich and Chourio early and keeps the Brewers' middle of the order in check, the Guardians have enough in their lineup to grind out a road win. The edge goes to Cleveland, 4–2, with Hoskins providing the big swing that puts it away. Catch the game on WTAM 1100 or the Guardians Radio Network.