Rory Gold

MLB Betting – Plenty Of Fireworks To Be Expected In Yankees, Rangers Series

It might be hard to believe that Rachel Alexandra won’t be factoring in the Belmont Stakes odds this weekend, but that’s just as hard to believe as the fact that the Texas Rangers are in first place in the American League West.

No handicappers, betting software or pundits could have predicted that the Rangers would be as good as they, especially not after how they’ve played over the last decade or so.

The Rangers are 10 games above .500 at 30-20 and actually have a better record than the visiting New York Yankees (30-21).

Interestingly enough, the team has been able to win 30 of its first 50 games without All-Star Josh Hamilton for most of the season. Hamilton has just 125 at-bats this season and has already spent some time on the disabled list with a strained ribcage.

Sports wagering handicappers can tell that the difference in Texas is pitching. Perennially a weakness, the Rangers have been pitching just about as good as anyone this season.

The Rangers posted a 3.57 team ERA in the month of May, which is the was the second-lowest ERA in a month for the club since moving into Rangers Ballpark in Arlington in 1994. In May 2005, the club compiled a 3.51 ERA.

The bullpen has been lights out – believe it or not – as Frank Francisco has now converted 16 straight closing opportunities dating back to last season while C.J. Wilson has an ERA of 1.56 over his last 17.1 innings pitched.

But now the Rangers head to new Yankee Stadium, where the ball has been flying out of the park rather easily. Don’t rush to bet the over, though, as most sports bettors jump to that conclusion immediately when these two teams square off. Only five of the last 13 meetings have gone over the number (just two of last five in New York).

The Yankees will send A.J. Burnett, Andy Pettitte and C.C. Sabathia to the mound this series and all three pitchers have pitched better away from home.

The three pitchers are a combined 2-2 at home with a 4.78 ERA and a 1.45 WHIP. On the road, the three pitchers are cumulatively 10-4 with a 3.44 ERA and a 1.20 WHIP. They’ve also given up just eight home runs on the road versus 14 at home.

If it comes down to a hitting matchup, look for the Yankees to bat around the Rangers at home.

MLB betting pick: Yankees to win two out of three in this series.