Texas Rangers at Boston Red Sox
Over/Under: 8
First pitch: 4:10 p.m. PT
Probable pitchers: Mike Minor (5-4, 2.55 ERA) vs. Chris Sale (2-7, 3.84 ERA)
Whatever issue Sale was going through during the first month of the campaign, the star left-hander is clearly past it, as evident in the dominant work he’s contributed since.
In his last nine starts, Sale has allowed two earned runs or fewer seven times, a clear sign that the perennial American League Cy Young Award candidate is back in his usual dominant form. Additionally, he recorded double-digit strikeouts in seven of those efforts as well.
Sale is generally as steady as they come and although he’ll be facing a potent offense this evening, it’s one he’s catching outside its comfort zone. Texas is really dangerous at home, where they are 24-12 this year. On the road, however, they’re 10-18, the result of that being not as consistent at the plate away from Arlington.
It also won’t help that the Rangers hit .240 against left-handed pitching, ranking them 20th. They also strike out once every 3.3 at-bats with a southpaw on the hill. A strikeout artist like Sale can capitalize on that and potentially feast.
Meanwhile, there’s another All-Star-caliber lefty on the bump for this series opener. As shocking as it may have sounded prior to the season, Minor has looked like one of the best pitchers in the league and put himself in position to make his first career Midsummer Classic.
Like his counterpart tonight is usually known for, the 31-year-old has simply been dealing every fifth day. Following a bumpy season debut on Opening Day, Minor has yielded two runs or fewer in nine of 12 starts, pitching the Rangers into the sixth inning or deeper in all of them.
With the total where it’s at, a pair of quality starts from two southpaws who have made it a habit of producing can go a long way in cashing this under bet. Play: UNDER 8 (-115)
Yesterday’s Result: Dodgers-Giants Under 7.5 (WIN)
Zylbert’s 2019 MLB Over/Under Betting Record*: 36-31-6, +1.65 units
*Each bet graded as if it were to win 1 unit
Get signed up for a VIP account today to enjoy all we have to offer.
At Gaming Today we are dedicated to providing valuable up-to-date information on the casino industry and pari-mutuel race wagering. With news and features, plus expanded coverage in key areas – race and sports analysis, picks, tips, and handicapping.