Texas Rangers vs. Tampa Bay Rays Prediction, Odds & MLB Player Props for Game 2
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Texas Rangers vs. Tampa Bay Rays Game 2 Picks & Predictions
- ⭐ Pick 1: Under 8 Runs (-105) at BetMGM
- ⭐ Pick 2: Rays -1.5 (+130) at Caesars
- ⭐ Pick 3: Evan Carter Over 0.5 Bases (-125) at DraftKings
The AL Wild Card Series progresses on Wednesday with the Tampa Bay Rays hosting the Texas Rangers. The Rangers aim to secure their spot in the ALDS with the game starting at 3:08 PM ET.
Although the Rays are the favorites with moneyline odds of -159, the Rangers stand as underdogs at +135. Tampa Bay is favored by a run line of -1.5, and the game's over/under is set at 8 runs.
We've used the best online betting sites to find these bets, including BetMGM, Caesars, and DraftKings.
Below are our top three MLB predictions for today’s slate.
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The Rangers took a dominant lead with scores in the second, fifth, and sixth innings, culminating in a 4-0 advantage.
Carter, debuting in the major leagues on Sept. 8, chipped in with two doubles, two walks, and a run. Seager, contributing significantly, was on base thrice, registering two singles, a walk, a run, and an RBI.
Montgomery, the Rangers' starting pitcher, delivered a sterling performance, restricting the Rays to six hits through seven innings and recording key outs.
Conversely, the Rays' Glasnow conceded four runs in five innings. While the Rangers missed multiple scoring opportunities, they managed to leverage mistakes, like the Rays' three initial errors, to secure their lead.
The Rangers are now 6-0 in the postseason at Tropicana Field. The Rangers won Games 3 and 4 at Tampa in the 2011 ALDS and won Games 1, 2, and 5 of the 2010 ALDS at Tampa.
Rangers vs. Rays: Pitching Matchup Game 2
I firmly believe that pitching plays a pivotal role in determining the outcome of this series.
Given the brief interval between the regular season's conclusion and the postseason, the performance of the pitchers will significantly influence which team advances.
Rangers at Rays projected starters
Nathan Eovaldi (12-5) vs Zach Eflin (16-8)
On Wednesday's MLB matchups, Nathan Eovaldi will take the mound for Texas, while the Rays will entrust the game to Zach Eflin.
Eflin is currently enjoying the pinnacle of his career. The ex-Phillie has not only established a personal best by pitching 177.2 innings, but he also achieved record figures in ERA (3.50), FIP (3.01), and BB/9 (1.22).
With a 4.8 WAR, he surpassed his best performance in any of the seven years he played in Philadelphia by 2.5 points.
Best Over/Under Bets Today: Texas Rangers vs Tampa Bay Rays
⭐ Under 8 Runs (-105) at BetMGM
Montgomery had the Rays struggling at the plate in Game 1 on Tuesday night, and with Eovaldi pitching for Texas on Wednesday, I see this trend continuing in Game 2 as his extensive experience against this lineup stands out.
Notably, in the regular season, he had a better ERA on the road (3.56) compared to at home (3.70), despite pitching an additional 12.2 innings when away.
Zach Eflin will be on the mound for the Rays. With a 16-8 record and a 3.50 ERA this season, Eflin ranked third in major league wins, 17th in ERA, 23rd in strikeouts, and second in WHIP.
Though he concluded the season with a 4.00 ERA over 27 innings, he consistently pitched at least five innings per start without conceding over five runs.
With The Rays unable to buy a run on Tuesday facing an explosive Eovaldi, I don't see this one going over 8 runs once more.
⭐ Best MLB Pick: Under 8 Runs (-105) at BetMGM
Best Runline Bets Today: Texas Rangers vs. Tampa Bay Rays
The Rays, with the American League's second-best record and a league-leading +195 run differential, face a crucial match. They're determined not to bow out and this stage and several factors come into play for me.
Eflin has recently outperformed Eovaldi and has had a superior season. Additionally, the Rays tend to thrive under pressure, expected to bounce back from their previous game's fielding mishaps.
I don't anticipate either starting pitcher lasting more than six innings, making it a contest of bullpens and if that's the case, the Rays have the upper hand.
That's why I'm going with a Rays victory, ensuring their continuation in the tournament.
⭐ Best MLB Pick: Rays -1.5 (+130) at Caesars
Best Player Prop Bets Today: Texas Rangers vs Tampa Bay Rays
⭐ Evan Carter Over 0.5 Bases (-125) at DraftKings
Evan Carter, at 21 years and 35 days, set an MLB record as the youngest to reach base four times in a postseason debut and I see him continuing that trend tonight.
He's the first since 2020, when both Dylan Carlson of the Cardinals and Josh Naylor of the Guardians achieved this.
Unique to the Rangers, Carter is the inaugural to attain this in a postseason debut, with only 10 others in team history reaching this mark.
Additionally, Carter is the first Ranger to record multiple extra-base hits and walks in a postseason match, so it makes sense to back him for a base hit tonight, right?.
⭐ Best MLB Pick: Evan Carter Over 0.5 Bases (-125) at DraftKings
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