Rangers vs. Angels Pick
Are the underdog Texas Rangers or the favored Los Angeles Angels the play Monday at 10:07PM EST?
Oddsmakers at sports book BetDSI have put the Angels as a -151 favorite, while the Rangers are a +131 dog. The over-under is 8.5.
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Texas will go with veteran lefty Cole Hamels (8-1, 3.48) and Los Angeles will counter with a left-hander of its own in Tyler Skaggs (1-3, 3.63). Hamels has pitched some gems in his last 10 starts, four times giving up on earned runs while working deep into the game. He’s also had two clunkers where he allowed seven earned runs and two mediocre four-run starts. Which Hamels will show up Monday? He carries a 1.11 WHIP and an ERA of 4.00 in seven road starts. Skaggs will make the start only a couple days after the death of his grandfather. This is his ninth start of the season and he’s been mostly good in his last seven, allowing two earned runs or less in six of them. He has a 1.39 WHIP with 43 strikeouts in 44 2/3 innings.
The Rangers are 61-62 and 26-33 on the road, while the Angels are 64-60 and 33-26 at home. Texas leads the season series 5-4.
On Sunday, the Rangers lost 3-2 at home to the White Sox. A three-run fourth inning propelled Chicago to the win as they got to Texas starter A.J. Griffin. Rougned Odor hit a two-run homer in the ninth inning to account for the Rangers offense, while Mike Napoli added two hits. The Angels received a pinch-hit single from Cameron Maybin in the top of the eighth inning Sunday to send them to a 5-4 win at the Orioles. Kole Calhoun and Andrelton Simmons both homered, while Cam Bedrosian got the win in relief. Bud Norris picked up his 19th save.
Texas has not been a strong road team this year and Hamels has pitched better at home, but a dog at this price and with the caliber of pitcher Hamels has shown to be is very enticing. Skaggs has had some personal distractions this week due to the death of his grandfather, which could impact his performance on the mound.
MLB DAILY PREDICTION: TEXAS RANGERS +131