The first meeting of a three-game set between the Boston Red Sox and Texas Rangers is in store for your viewing and betting pleasure tonight. The Red Sox will be sending their ace pitcher in David Price, while the Rangers counter with Nick Martinez. Can Price successfully lead his team to victory, or will things go south for them at Globe Life Park? Read on below for a closer look at this American League showdown.
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The Boston Red Sox are in good hands with David Price (8-4, 4.24 ERA). He seems to have finally found his groove lately, as the former Blue Jays ace enters tonight’s series opener having logged in eight-straight quality starts. The most recent one happened in last Sunday’s victory against the Mariners, during which Price punched in seven strikeouts and gave up just one run across eight innings.
However, it’s going to be interesting to see if Price can sustain his form. The 30-year-old lefty has struggled against the Texas Rangers throughout his career, owning a 3-4 record with a 5.15 ERA in 11 career-starts. If that trend continues, the Red Sox, who are the top favorites (+150) to win the AL East crown, have got to produce some timely runs at the plate.
Look to the bats of Xander Bogaerts and David Ortiz to do just that. Both have been very consistent this season, batting .351 and .340, respectively.
Bogaerts, in particular, has arguably been better especially when playing in front of a hostile crowd. The hard-hitting short stop is batting .358 on the road, and has also gone 6-of-14 with four runs batted in and one double in his last three games.
Boston is 6-4 SU in its last 10 games on the road.
Betting on the Texas Rangers (47-26)
Meanwhile, the AL West-leading Texas Rangers will look to keep winning when they send Nick Martinez (1-1, 5.14 ERA). He’s been relatively solid across three starts this season, yielding just three or fewer runs in that stretch. Another one could be in the making this evening versus the Boston Red Sox.
Martinez has faced Boston once in his career, and that lone meeting went quite well individually speaking. The 25-year-old righty registered seven innings of two-run ball along with five K’s in a losing effort. But that happed over a year ago, and it’s hard to be too optimistic about his chances especially against the Red Sox, who currently lead the majors in runs per game (5.61).
Hence, the Rangers better provide a strong response at the plate. They can expect Ian Desmond to take the reins in doing so. The 30-year-old left fielder will be looking to extend his hitting-streak to six games later. He also boasts an impressive triple-slash line of .371/.404/.594 at Globe Life Park this season.
Texas is 8-2 in its previous 10 home games. The Rangers are also the hands-down favorite (-500) to win the AL West division title.
