The top two teams in the American League West meet in Thursday MLB wagering as the Texas Rangers host the Los Angeles Angels. It is the first game of a critical four-game series for the Angels as they can’t afford to get swept or the division race could be over. The pitching matchup in baseball wagering is expected to be superb with Jered Weaver going for the Angels against the Rangers’ Cliff Lee.
MLB wagering odds will favor the Rangers at home since Lee is on the mound. It is the first game of a seven-game home stand for the Rangers. The Angels will be hoping that their ace, Jered Weaver can come up with a big start. He is 9-5 on the season with a 3.16 ERA. In his last three starts, Weaver is 1-2 with a 5.12 ERA. Last time out, Weaver did pitch better as he shut down Seattle for the most part. He is 5-3 with a 3.62 ERA in his career against the Rangers.
Lee is 8-4 with a 2.59 ERA this season. This will be his third start with the Rangers. He did not pitch well in his first start for Texas but he was much better last time out against Boston. Texas has lost both of Lee’s starts though, so it is not a given they will win this game. Lee is 1-1 in his last three starts overall with a 3.12 ERA. He is 6-3 with a 3.19 ERA against the Angels in his career.
Texas has won 11 of the last 20 games against the Angels. This season the teams have met five times and the Rangers took three of the five. They won both games in Texas back in mid-May. The Rangers have taken five of the last seven at home against the Angels.
The Angels are just about .500 on the road this season vs. the MLB wagering odds. Los Angeles needs to get better pitching and they need to be more consistent on offense if they are to catch the Rangers in the division.
The Rangers are happy to be back at home since they are 31-19 this season at home. The Rangers have a powerful offense that is third in the league in runs scored. Texas is in the top ten in pitching and if Lee can figure out a way to have some success in his new home part, those numbers should improve.