Rangers vs. Twins Friday Prediction
The Texas Rangers and Minnesota Twins open a new series this weekend at Target Field. Are the Rangers a good underdog play for bettors for Game 1 at 8:10 p.m. ET?
Game Snapshot & Odds
975 Texas Rangers (+110) at Minnesota Twins (-120); 9 runs
Friday, June 22, 2018
8:10 p.m. ET, Target Field
TV: TEX (FSSW); MIN (FSNO)
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Public Betting Trends
Oddsmakers from online sportsbooks currently list the Twins as a -120 favorite. As of this writing, 62% of the betting tickets wagered at online sportsbooks are on the Twins to beat the Rangers on the moneyline. This information is subject to change, however, so be sure to check out our MLB Public Betting Page for updated figures on this game.
Rangers’ Minor allows two runs in seven innings vs. Rockies
Mike Minor held the Rockies to two runs in seven innings but had to settle for a no-decision on Saturday. He surrendered a run-scoring single to Carlos Gonzalez in the second inning. The second run scored on a sacrifice fly off the bat of Nolan Arenado in the sixth. Minor struck out six batters, issued two walks and allowed five hits in one of his best outings of the season. He is 4-4 with a 5.35 ERA in 13 starts. He will toe the rubber against the Twins on Friday.
Twins’ Romero knocked for three runs by Indians
Fernando Romero yielded three runs on six hits over four innings in Saturday’s win over the Indians. Romero struck out one and walked one while throwing 63 pitches (43 strikes) on the afternoon. Two of the three runs on his line scored on the home run ball, with both Francisco Lindor and Jose Ramirez knocking him for solo shots in the first inning. The rookie right-hander will carry a 4.17 ERA, 1.39 WHIP and 40/17 K/BB ratio (45 1/3 innings) into a home start against the Rangers when he next toes the rubber.
MLB Betting Trends
Texas
The Rangers are just 4-9 in their last 13 games versus the Twins.
Minnesota
The Twins have won four of their last six games but are just 1-7 in their last eight contests versus the American League West.
Prediction:
Believe it or not, the Rangers have a better run differential over their last seven games than the Twins. (It’s only +6 to +4 but given Texas’ record one would think it would be much worse.) Thus, I see some value in the Rangers, who are 5-0 in their last five games overall and are 5-1 in their last six contests versus the American League Central. They’ve also won five straight versus an opponent with a losing record.
The Pick: Texas Rangers +110