Overview
The Oakland Athletics are in Texas for the second game of their four game series with the Rangers. The Rangers scored a run in the bottom of the 9th inning to take the first game of the series 2-1. The Rangers have feared surprisingly well against the Athletics this season and actually lead the season series 9 games to 7.
Head to Head Trends
Athletics are 0-4 in the last 4 meetings.
Athletics are 8-2 in the last 10 meetings in Texas.
Texas Rangers (+158)
The Texas Rangers are last in the American League West 32 games out of 1st place. The Rangers are not having the best season they are 27 games under .500 and have been absolutely decimated by injuries with a lot of their key guys on the DL for most of the season. The Rangers looked like they were probably going to finish with the worst record in baseball but they have somehow turned things around the last couple weeks and have been on fire winning 12 of their last 13 games. For a team that had one of the worst pitching staff in baseball they have been incredible over this hot stretch allowing more then 3 runs in a game just one time. On the mound for the Rangers today is Nick Tepesch who is 5-10 with a 4.14 ERA in his 21 starts this season.
Texas Rangers Trends
Rangers are 12-1 in their last 13 overall.
Rangers are 5-0 in their last 5 games vs. a left-handed starter.
Oakland Athletics (-168)
The Oakland Athletics are 2nd in the American League West 12 games back of the 1st place LA Angels. The Athletics were in first place for a large part of the season but the Angels caught fire and the Athletics just fell apart losing 29 of their last 43 games. I guess the one good thing is the Athletics had such a big lead that even with this collapse they are still 2 games up on the Mariners for the final wild cared spot but with three game remaining they’re not guaranteed a playoff spot just yet. Starting for the Athletics today is lefty Scott Kazmir who is 14-9 with a 3.63 ERA on the season.
Oakland Athletics Trends
Athletics are 8-19 in their last 27 overall.
Athletics are 1-4 in Kazmirs last 5 starts with 4 days of rest.
Conclusion
I like the Texas Rangers to get it done again today. The Athletics are in shambles right now while the Rangers are just tearing shit up so at +158 it’s very hard not to bet the Rangers today.
Free Pick: Texas Rangers +158
