The Texas Rangers (61-49) and Oakland Athletics (63-46) will continue a three-game American League West series Saturday at O.co Coliseum, with the first pitch scheduled for 4:05 p.m. ET
Texas Rangers vs. Oakland Athletics
Texas has won five games in a row, including a 8-3 victory over Oakland as +112 road underdogs Friday, while going OVER the betting total of 7.5. The Rangers went 32 days without gaining any ground on their current opponent, but they’ve gained 3.5 games in the past four days. “It was a very important win,” stated Rangers manager Ron Washington. Offensively, the team is hitting .331 with a .569 slugging percentage during the winning streak, which is far better than its .232 and .335 marks in those respective categories in its previous 15 contests. Texas is 7-6 as road underdogs of +100 to +125 this season.
Rangers starting pitcher Matt Garza (7-1, 2.95 ERA) has led his teams to seven consecutive victories, but he didn’t earn a decision in a 4-3 home win over the Los Angeles Angels last time out, as he allowed three runs and five hits over seven frames. The right-hander is 3-0 with a 2.23 ERA in seven road appearances this season, with opposing hitters batting .196 against him. In six games (five starts) versus the Athletics, Garza has compiled a 2-3 record and 2.70 ERA, including a 3-1 road victory on July 3.
Oakland is mired in a three-game losing streak due to an offense that has plated just five runs over that span, while the UNDER has cashed in two of those opportunities. The Athletics are hoping their starting rotation can turn things around, as it has compiled a 5.56 ERA over its last eight games. Offensively, the team went 1-for-7 with runners in scoring position and left 10 on base last night. Oakland is 29-19 versus division opponents this season, with the OVER going 29-18-1 in that situation.
Athletics starting pitcher Jarrod Parker (6-6, 4.07 ERA) hasn’t earned a decision in his last six outings, but he did lead the club to a 10-6 home victory over the Los Angeles Angels last time out. The right-hander is 3-3 with a 4.81 ERA in 11 home appearances, issuing 25 walks and striking out 39 batters in 63.2 combined frames. In five career games versus the Rangers, Parker has compiled a 4-1 record and 2.91 ERA, including a 6-2 road victory on June 18.
Sports bettors will likely back the Rangers due to the Athletics being 1-5 in Parker’s last six outings.
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