At first glance this was supposed to be an easy weekend for 2nd place Texas visiting last place Miami, but oddsmakers have the visitors as just -112 favorites in the Saturday June 1st Rangers at Marlins betting matchup.
The Rangers were listed at -134 in Friday’s series opener, but took it on the chin in an 8-2 loss that snapped a three game win streak. Miami has now won two in a row, cashing in at +162 in a 9-1 victory at San Diego on Wednesday and +124 in the first game vs. Texas. The Marlins are down to -104 for Saturday’s matchup – do they still have value?
Why Texas Has Value on Saturday
Baseball is obviously a team sport, but Texas can at least likely count on some offense off the bat of Corey Seager. The Rangers shortstop had a late double on Friday to extend his hitting streak to 13, and he’s also homered in 7 of his last 9 games.
Maybe what gives the Rangers the best value in this matchup is that the calendar has flipped to June. Texas went through a rough May at 11-16 but they’re still in 2nd place in the AL West and only 4 GB of the Mariners meanwhile 21-37 Miami is already 19 GB in the NL East.
Michael Lorenzen (2-3, 3.35 ERA) being on the hill helps the Rangers’ chances on Saturday as he’s allowed just 8 hits and 3 ER over his last three starts (19.1 IP).
Why Miami Has Value on Saturday
The Marlins are looking good in scoring 17 runs over their last two games. Jesus Sanchez has been a big part of that with HRs in back-to-back outings while going 5 for his last 8. 7 Miami batters had multi-hit games on Wednesday in San Diego while Sanchez, Jake Burger, and Otto Lopez all had 3-hits on Friday.
The Marlins may be stuck in the cellar of the NL East, but they are playing much better recently. Miami is 10-5 over their last 15 while simultaneously the Rangers are 5-13 over their last 18. Maybe Texas shouldn’t even be favored in this spot, but 3/4 of the betting public still likes the visitors.
Ryan Weathers (3-4, 3.16 ERA) starts for the Marlins as they try to win their third straight game. The left-hander has allowed just 1 ER over his last three outings (21.0 IP) and Miami has won all three of those games despite scoring just 7 total runs. At the same time Texas has lost six straight Lorenzen starts.
Free June 1st Rangers at Marlins Betting Pick
It’s still confusing as to why Texas is the favorite here. Miami is just 11-19 at home, but a lot of that was compiled during their atrocious start to the season and the Rangers aren’t that great on the road at 13-17. The Marlins offense is hot, their starting pitcher is scorching, and Texas is in a slump.
Free Pick: Marlins -104
