The Cleveland Indians and the Texas Rangers kick off their second half campaigns opposite each other in Arlington starting this Thursday. Coming into the series, the Indians sit cozy in the AL Central with a 52-43 record while the Rangers lay low at the bottom of the AL West at 41-56. But with Texas being Texas many local bettors seem to think that the Rangers will claim one at home, with money shifting in favor of a Ranger win (or perhaps two?). Below is our breakdown for each of that series’ match-ups.
Starters: Trevor Bauer (8-6, 2.24 ERA) vs. Martin Perez (2-4, 7.67 ERA)
Pitching:
Bauer conquered the big bats of the Yankees in his last start, allowing just two earned runs on seven hits with seven strikeouts during a 5-2 win in the Bronx on July 15. He is 4-5 with a 2.26 ERA in 10 road starts this year. As for Perez, has not won in his two starts so far this month, but he is 1-2 with a 3.71 ERA in his last three starts.
Hitting:
Elvis Andrus is 4-for-13 vs. Bauer.
Michael Brantley is 2-for-4 vs. Perez.
Writer’s Prediction:
Cleveland wins, 4-2.
Game 2, Saturday, July 21, 8:05PM
Starters: Carlos Carrasco (11-5, 4.12 ERA) vs. Bartolo Colon (5-7, 4.64 ERA)
Pitching:
Carrasco came out of the bullpen in his last appearance and got a win, pitching one scoreless inning in a 5-2 victory over the Yankees on July 15. He is 4-3 with a 3.33 ERA in eight starts this season. Colon is hoping the midseason break is the cure to his recent skid, as he is 3-5 with a 6.23 ERA in his last eight starts.
Hitting:
Elvis Andrus is 6-for-16 vs. Carrasco.
Michael Brantley is 4-for-9 vs. Colon.
Writer’s Prediction:
Cleveland wins, 7-3.
Game 3, Sunday, July 22, 3:05PM
Starters: Mike Clevinger (7-5, 3.47 ERA) vs. Cole Hamels (5-8, 4.36 ERA)
Pitching:
Clevinger eyes a rebound after picking up losses in back-to-back starts. In his last time out on the mound, he surrendered four earned ruins on seven hits in six innings of a 5-4 home loss to the Yankees on July 14. As for Hamels, he will pitch fresh, as he is coming off an eight-day rest. He is 1-6 with a 5.83 ERA at home, though.
Hitting:
The Rangers’ current lineup is 8-for-46 vs. Clevinger.
Jose Ramirez is 5-for-14 vs. Hamels.
Writer’s Prediction:
Cleveland wins 5-3.
Writer’s Overall Series Prediction
Sorry Texas, but the Indians sweep the Rangers in this three game series.
