Later on, another series opener is in store for your viewing and betting pleasure as the Texas Rangers pay the Los Angeles Angels a visit at Angel Stadium. Who will deliver the first blow in this AL West division showdown?
Read on below for a quick look at both games.
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New York Mets vs. Chicago Cubs (7:05 PM ET)
Line: New York Mets (+150) at Chicago Cubs (-170); total: 0.5 – view all MLB lines
Steven Matz (7-5, 3.38 ERA) has been solid in his last three starts, allowing no more than three runs during that stretch. However, the Mets went just 1-2 in the same span and a big reason for that is the lack of production on offense. Needless to say, the defending National League champions, who are racking up just 3.80 runs per game this season, better provide Matz some timely contributions at the plate in tonight’s opener against the Cubs.
Speaking of the Cubs, they are set to counter with Jon Lester (9-4, 3.01 ERA), who’s looking to relocate his dominant form again. He’s given up a total of 13 hits and earned runs in his past two starts, which included his worst and shortest outing of his career against the Mets on July 3. Lester has definitely not forgotten about that miserable performance. At home, the lefty is 4-2 with a quality ERA of 2.32 this year.
Writer’s Prediction
Cubs (-170) win, 4-1.
Texas Rangers vs. Los Angeles Angels (10:05 PM ET)
Line: Texas Rangers (+120) at Los Angeles Angels (-130); total: 8.5 – view all MLB lines
The Rangers, who have lost seven of their last 10 games, are desperate for a win tonight. The chances of that from happening appear pretty good with A.J. Griffin (3-1, 3.81 ERA) taking the hill. He holds a relatively solid track record against the Angels, carrying a 3-2 record with a 3.08 ERA across six career starts. Griffin, however, was rocked for nine hits and six earned runs in just five innings of work during his last time out versus the Twins on July 10.
The Halos, meanwhile, are putting their trust on Nick Tropeano (3-2, 3.12 ERA), who’s been the team’s most consistent starter this season. He registered six innings of one-run ball and punched in eight strikeouts in a no-decision against the Orioles on July 9. Tropeano also owns a 1-2 record with a 3.72 ERA, 1.03 WHIP and .229 opponents’ batting average in three career starts versus Texas.
Writer’s Prediction
Rangers (+120) win it, 5-4.
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