It’s been a bit of a rough week so far. We’re sitting on a 4-5 record through Wednesday, which clearly would put us at a net loss had we been betting real money. However, Thursday began our turnaround last week and we’re absolutely looking for the same time of situation to occur this week beginning tonight with Texas (72-54) at Minnesota (65-62). We’ve covered the Rangers a few time in this feature but I’m think this might be the first time the Twins have made an appearance.
The Pitchers
Minnesota’s Pablo López (9-6. 3.51 ERA) is on a streak of four consecutive starts that ended with a win. He’s allowing an average of just 0.6 earned runs over his last five starts and has struck out 35 batter during that span. He’s been one of MLB’s hottest pitchers over the last month, and has gone at least six innings in each of his last five outings.
Texas is going to place Andrew Heaney (9-6, 4.27 ERA) on the mound. He’s had distance issues recently, going just 1.1 and 3.2 innings in his last two appearances. He had won three in a row prior to that and his earned run average over the last five games is at 1.4. The distance issue, with high pitch counts, is still going to be a concern, though.
The Line Ups
Minnesota’s home run leader in Max Kepler, who has blasted 20 this season. Carlos Correa is pacing the Twins with a .229 batting average and 55 RBI active. Minnesota has scored 21 runs over the last five games.
The Rangers are led from the plate by Adolis Garcia, who has knocked 31 home runs and recorded 93 RBI. Nathaniel Lowe leads the team with a .280 batting average. The Rangers have scored 17 runs over the last five games.
The Streaks
Texas arrives to the Twin Cities having lost six games in a row. Minnesota is on a two-game losing streak and has lost three of its last five games.
The Odds
Twins -1.5
Twins -125 on the moneyline
O/U 8.5
This one isn’t easy! Both teams have faced their struggles recently but the Rangers are free falling and we’re getting a decent -125 with the Twins on the moneyline. I think that’s our best bet for tonight. I do like Texas to stay within a run, in what I believe will be a relatively low scoring game, so we’ll go with the Rangers at +1.5 and the under as well.
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