In tonight's AL West showdown, the top-ranked Texas Rangers meet the Los Angeles Angels in Game 2 of this 2-game series.
Along with their NL counterpart, AL West has been the tightest division so far, with the top 3 teams all within 3.5 games. Tonight's matchup of the division leading Rangers against the awaken Angels could prove to be very important later in the season.
Both known for their offensive output, today's game will be a little bit different, as we have a pitching duel on our hands with Jered Weaver trying to outgun C.J. Wilson.
Wilson has been more spectacular of the two, as he posts an ERA of just 1.48 and a WHIP of 1.09, giving up more than 2 runs in just 1 game this season. He has performed very well against some heavy-hitting teams, like the Yankees, Blue Jays and especially the Red Sox, which he managed to shut out through 6 frames. Seeking his 8th straight quality start of the season, he will have to go against an equally impressive pitcher.
After the worst outing of the season against the Detroit Tigers, where he was pulled out in the 5th inning, Weaver has responded with 2 gems, a shutout against the Mariners and 7 innings of 1-run-ball against the Rays. He too sports some amazing numbers, an ERA of 2.47 and a very low WHIP of 1.06, and out to get his 8th quality start in his 9th start.
Seeing how good both of the starting pitchers have been so far, it's hard to expect a shootout, as this should be a pretty low-scoring game. The offenses aren't exactly hot, either. The Angels of last season looked like they could score at will, with everyone on the roster hitting over .300 at one point of the year, but they have been struggling with putting runs on the board, as they rank 20th in runs scored. They can't get a string of hits as easily as last year, and that has been hurting them, not using their chances. The Angels lost a lot of close games this year with no one to step up at the decisive moments and they will have to kick it up a gear if they want to see the ALCS.
As for Texas, they are playing hot and cold all year long. Capable of putting 10+ runs on the board one night, and struggling to drive in even a single run the night after. They can be contained by a good and stabile pitcher, like Weaver.
Now for some trends :
- Under is 9-2 in Angels last 11 road games vs. a left-handed starter.
- Under is 11-2-3 in Weavers last 16 starts overall.
- Under is 26-10 in LAA last 36 road games.
- Under is 7-0 in Wilsons last 7 starts overall.
- Under is 7-3 in the last 10 meetings.
(trends provided by covers.com)
The total opened at 8.5 with 72% on the Under. With the two teams underperforming offensively, and featuring two of the hottest pitchers of the AL, this should be a tight game, as most of the inter-division games are.
Pick : Los Angeles Angels at Texas Rangers UNDER 8.5 @ -105 (5Dimes)
Opinions are welcome.
Along with their NL counterpart, AL West has been the tightest division so far, with the top 3 teams all within 3.5 games. Tonight's matchup of the division leading Rangers against the awaken Angels could prove to be very important later in the season.
Both known for their offensive output, today's game will be a little bit different, as we have a pitching duel on our hands with Jered Weaver trying to outgun C.J. Wilson.
Wilson has been more spectacular of the two, as he posts an ERA of just 1.48 and a WHIP of 1.09, giving up more than 2 runs in just 1 game this season. He has performed very well against some heavy-hitting teams, like the Yankees, Blue Jays and especially the Red Sox, which he managed to shut out through 6 frames. Seeking his 8th straight quality start of the season, he will have to go against an equally impressive pitcher.
After the worst outing of the season against the Detroit Tigers, where he was pulled out in the 5th inning, Weaver has responded with 2 gems, a shutout against the Mariners and 7 innings of 1-run-ball against the Rays. He too sports some amazing numbers, an ERA of 2.47 and a very low WHIP of 1.06, and out to get his 8th quality start in his 9th start.
Seeing how good both of the starting pitchers have been so far, it's hard to expect a shootout, as this should be a pretty low-scoring game. The offenses aren't exactly hot, either. The Angels of last season looked like they could score at will, with everyone on the roster hitting over .300 at one point of the year, but they have been struggling with putting runs on the board, as they rank 20th in runs scored. They can't get a string of hits as easily as last year, and that has been hurting them, not using their chances. The Angels lost a lot of close games this year with no one to step up at the decisive moments and they will have to kick it up a gear if they want to see the ALCS.
As for Texas, they are playing hot and cold all year long. Capable of putting 10+ runs on the board one night, and struggling to drive in even a single run the night after. They can be contained by a good and stabile pitcher, like Weaver.
Now for some trends :
- Under is 9-2 in Angels last 11 road games vs. a left-handed starter.
- Under is 11-2-3 in Weavers last 16 starts overall.
- Under is 26-10 in LAA last 36 road games.
- Under is 7-0 in Wilsons last 7 starts overall.
- Under is 7-3 in the last 10 meetings.
(trends provided by covers.com)
The total opened at 8.5 with 72% on the Under. With the two teams underperforming offensively, and featuring two of the hottest pitchers of the AL, this should be a tight game, as most of the inter-division games are.
Pick : Los Angeles Angels at Texas Rangers UNDER 8.5 @ -105 (5Dimes)
Opinions are welcome.
