Red Sox -1½ to run past Rangers
Game Time: 08/13/2008 07:05 PM -
By: Alex Smart | who2beton.com
Last night's wild 19-17 contest between these two at Fenway gave the Red Sox their fifth straight over the Rangers in Boston. Jon Lester and the BoSox make it six straight tonight.
Last night the Boston Red Sox took out the visiting Texas Rangers in a entertaining 19-17 slugfest for their fifth straight win in this series here in Fenway Park this season. I expect the BoSox to make it six in a row after tonight as they tee off on a pitcher, Luis Mendoza (3-5, 7.50), that has performed like a thrower in the annual home run derby.
The right-hander is 1-2, along with a bloated 7.50 ERA in four starts since the All-Star break, and has been roughed up on a consistent basis in his road starts in 2008 as is evident by a 1-3 record and an ugly 8.46 ERA. Left-handed batters are hitting .352 against him, while right-handed hitters are batting .294. It must also be noted that opposing lineups are smashing him for .381 average with runners in scoring position.
Meanwhile, Red Sox starter Jon Lester (10-4, 3.23 ERA) continues to impress the pundits with his performances, and despite having his 11-win streak stopped last time out, he still pitched well allowing just six hits in seven innings for a tough-luck 5-3 loss against the White Sox. The 2000 Gatorade Player of the Year has a Washington high schooler has been very hard on lefty hitters this year allowing them a lowly .223 BA which holds good implications for us backing him against a Rangers team with LH sluggers like Josh Hamilton and Chris Davis in the lineup.
Final Notes & Key Trends: The Red Sox are 14-2 in their last 16 when Lester starts at home, winning those games by an average of 2.8 RPG. Play Boston on the run line.
Free Pick: Red Sox -1½ (-120)