The
Texas Rangers return to the scene of the World Series crime tonight as they face the
St. Louis Cardinals at Busch Stadium. This evening’s inter-league series opener between the Rangers and Cardinals is scheduled to get underway at 8:15pm ET.
MLB Free Picks and Odds have St. Louis listed as a -116 moneyline favorite ($116 wins $100) and the Over/Under at 8.5 runs (Under favored at -120 odds). The Rangers are drawing +106 odds to win their third straight game.
St. Louis improved its league best record to 47-26 yesterday, taking out the Cubs 6-1 to earn 3-1 series win over its arch rival. Starter Lance Lynn and the Cardinals bullpen were exceptional, allowing just five hits while striking out eight in the victory.
Cardinals’ rookie southpaw Tyler Lyons will attempt to turn in a similar performance this evening albeit against a more formidable Texas lineup. Lyons, who is making his sixth big league start, was outstanding in his first two outings, giving up just six hits and two earned runs over 14 innings in wins over the Padres and Royals; however, his last three appearances left much to be desired.
Lyons yielded 22 hits, six walks, and 14 earned runs in his three most recent starts, all St. Louis losses, for an ugly 7.41 ERA and 1.64 WHIP.
The Rangers Derek Holland, who gets the call for Texas tonight, experienced similar woes in his last two outings. Holland, who owns a 3.30 ERA and 1.31 WHIP through 14 starts, gave up 19 hits and eight earned runs in his last 10.1 innings of work.
The left handed Holland has performed well on the road this year, though, posting a 3-1 record with a 3.20 ERA in seven away starts. The Rangers went 5-2 in those seven appearances.
Notable Trends: The Over is 5-0 in the Rangers last five games as a road dog against a left handed pitcher with a total between 8.5 and 9 runs. The Cardinals are 3-7 in their last 10 games as a home favorite against the left handed pitcher.
Texas Rangers +1.5 (-210), Over 8.5 (+100), +106 (Moneyline)
St. Louis Cardinals -1.5 (+175), Under 8.5 (-120), -116 (Moneyline)
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