Rangers Try to Avoid Sweep at the Hands of the Orioles
Who: Texas Rangers v. Baltimore Orioles
When: Thursday July 20th, 2017 7:05PM EST
Where: Oriole Park—Baltimore, Maryland
This week has thus far been one to remember for the Baltimore Orioles, who have won 3 consecutive games against the Texas Rangers at home. On Thursday night, the Rangers will look to avoid the unsightly 4-game series sweep, though after watching the first 3 games that much does not seem very likely. After getting swept by the Cubs to open up the unofficial second half of the season, the Orioles have so far bounced back in impressive fashion.
The first game of this series saw the Orioles squeak by with a 3-1 victory, but Wednesday night saw the Orioles win by an emphatic 10 runs to 2. The night before, the win was even larger, with a 12-1 final score. The Orioles are still very much on the outside looking in as far as the playoff race is concerned, but they are making strides to get back in the conversation.
The Rangers are like most other teams in the AL West that are not the Astros; hopeful for a Wild Card spot. Being that the Astros are currently 17.5 games ahead of the Rangers, a Wild Card berth seems to be Texas’ only shot at the post-season. But even that, however, does not seem likely. The Rangers have now lost 4 straight games, and their offense is mostly to blame. During this 4-game losing streak, the Rangers have failed to score more than 3 runs each and every time. In fact, 2 of the games saw the Rangers offense output a measly 1 run. If they want to get back in the playoff race consideration, they will have to start by winning tonight and avoiding the sweep.
Game Overview and Analysis
If there was ever a matchup that favors the Rangers (-112), it would be tonight’s starting pitching matchup. On the mound for the Rangers is Cole Hamels (4-0 3.05 ERA). He will be facing off against the Orioles’ (-108) Wade Miley (4-8 5.40 ERA). What is particularly impressive about Cole Hamels is how he has been pitching in recent weeks. Hamels has gone more than 20 consecutive innings without giving up an earned run; a truly impressive feat. What’s more, in his last outing, Hamels blanked the Royals, lasted more than 7 innings, and was a major factor in his team’s 1-0 victory. Though there are not many bright spots as far as the Rangers are concerned, Hamels is one of the few exceptions. If he can maintain the form he has established in recent weeks, I do not foresee the Rangers having too many issues avoiding the sweep.
Wade Miley is not having the worst season in the world, but his performances have left a lot to be desired. In fact, Miley’s last start (last Sunday) saw him give up 7 earned runs in just over 4 innings. This helped the Cubs emerge victorious and complete the sweep of Baltimore. The thing about Miley is that he is the poster child for inconsistencies. It seems as though he either gives up little to no runs, or a whole host of them. When he takes the mound it is known that no one can truly know what to expect. Will Thursday be the night that he finally pulls it together? Only time will tell.
As for the offensive matchup, the Orioles have made certain that this has been a one-sided affair. Through the first 3 games of this series, the Orioles have outscored the Rangers by a line of 25-4. If the Rangers’ bats cannot pick it up, even a stellar performance by Hamels might not be enough.
Betting Prediction
As far as the moneyline you should take, that much is not very clear. On one hand, the Orioles are on absolute fire and have had the Rangers’ number since the series began on Monday. On the other hand, Hamels has been pitching lights-out of late. There is a strong case to be made for both teams in this one, so I would avoid the moneyline as it seems to be more of a coin-toss than anything else.
A proposition I really like is the over/under offered by Bovada. Right now, the over/under is an even 10 runs (-115/-105). Being that the Rangers have scored just 4 runs in 3 games, I have to think that their bats will be quiet again on Thursday. The Orioles are going to be facing a Cole Hamels who is on absolute fire. As such, I would not be the slightest bit surprised to see this game stay under 10 runs (-105). The near even money odds are a nice touch as well.
The Rangers’ team over/under is currently listed at 4.5 runs (-135/+105). Though Miley has the propensity to give up a slew of runs, I think there is a lot of potential value to be had in a wager on the team under (+105). Perhaps this is the night where Miley puts in a solid performance.