Hamels, Rangers to have hands full vs. Rays
After a well-earned breather on Thursday, Texas is ready to resume the business of being the American League’s best team. The Rays, though, aren’t rolling over for anyone right now.
The two red-hot squads will kick off an intriguing weekend set tonight, with a 7:10 p.m. ET first pitch at Tropicana Field. Oddsmakers at online sports book BetDSI lean toward Jeff Banister’s gang. Conversely, Tampa Bay enters as a +131 underdog. The over/under run figure currently sits at 7.5.
Loaded with big hitters and superlative arms, Texas holds a 6 1/2-game lead over second-place Seattle in the AL West. One of said top-level hurlers, Cole Hamels (12-4, 2.88 ERA), takes the rubber this evening. The 32-year-old admittedly labored through a seven-inning performance his last time out. Yet he’s a magnificent 19-4 with a sub-3.40 ERA as a Ranger.
Kevin Cash answers with Matt Andriese (6-4, 3.36), who hasn’t ventured beyond the fifth in any of his past three starts. Nonetheless, the righty’s hoping for help from a lineup whose .792 OPS in August ranks among the junior circuit’s finest. Shortstop Brad Miller continues to spearhead the charge. The Orlando native boasts 19 homers since June 17, having belted 16 of those in St. Petersburg.
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It’s commendable to see Tampa Bay finish the campaign with such vigor. Still, Texas looks like a group that’s World Series-bound. Expect Hamels to keep Miller & Co. in check, propelling the visiting crew to a fifth straight win.
FRIDAY MLB FREE PICK: RANGERS -1.5