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With an eight game lead in the loss column over the Oakland A's, you wouldn't necessarily think that this rubber game of a 3 game series would be that crucial. After all, with the season winding down, it would take an epic melt down for the Rangers to not win the division. In fact, in baseball history, teams who have enjoyed an eight game lead or better in the month of August have gone on to win the division a whopping 93% of the time. However, a quick look at the schedule tells you that the AL West is far from being a cinch for the Texas Rangers, although a win today would certainly go a long ways toward sealing the deal. A 9 game lead at this point would be a much safer number than 7, and here's why:
The Rangers face the Yankees for 2 games beginning on Tuesday. The Rangers were swept by the Yankees in an earlier matchup this season, and they have historically been very bad when it comes to facing the Bronx Bombers. Add in the fact that the Yankees are in a very tight race themselves and will be looking for wins, it is conceiveable that the Rangers could lose both games in that series. After the Yankees, the Rangers face the Rays and Red Sox, two teams they have struggled against in the past as well, and two teams that are still fighting for a playoff spot. Then the Rangers hit the road against the Orioles, a team going through a miserable season, but still the same team that swept the Rangers in a 4 game series in Arlington just before the All Star Break. Following the Orioles, the Rangers face a 4 game trip against the Twins before coming back home to face the A's in a series which could be much more ineteresting than the one they are concluding today.
A win against the Rangers today would pull the A's to within 7 games in the loss column (the only number worth looking at at this point in the season) heading into a 3 game series against a Seattle team which has all but given up on its season. When taking a look at these two teeams' upcoming schedules, it becomes clear on why this rubber game is much more important than most people are giving it credit for. This seemingly insurmountable lead the Rangers have in the AL West could evaporate very quickly if the Rangers continue to struggle as they have in the past against the good Eastern division teams.
Did you know: the Oakland A's have won 16 straight series at home if their next series is on the road.....
The Rangers lineup will face a solid young starter today in Trevor Cahill, who has an 18 inning scorless streak under his belt. The Rangers will be looking to get to him early before he can settle in, but the Ranger bats have been very hit and miss here lately. In fact, Cahill has been dominant in his brief career against the Rangers, compiling a record of 5-1 with an ERA of 1.83 (including 2-0, 0.96 this season). On the flip side, the Rangers send Colby Lewis to the mound, who has lost 3 straight starts, although he has pitched well but has failed to receive any kind of run support from the Ranger hitters.
This series means a lot to the A's, who are just hoping to hang around until they get another shot at the Rangers at the end of the month. Look for the A's to pull out all the stops today and pull away late.
Prediction: A's 7, Rangers 3.....Play on: A's -113 (5 Dimes) for 1 unit
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Originally Posted by empty cookie jar
