The American League's best team, the Rangers, are set to take on a Texas sized task this evening as they kick start a three game set with Yankees. Tonight's series opening battle is scheduled for a 7:05pm ET start at Yankee Stadium in New York. MLB Odds and Predictions have the Yankees listed as a -140 moneyline favorite and the game total set at 10 (Under -120).
Texas comes into this evening's game trying to avoid its first serious losing streak of the season. The Rangers began the
year by winning nine of their first 10 games, but they concluded their most recent series, a three game set at Detroit, with 4-5 and 2-3 losses to the Tigers.
Cold bats have been the main contributor to the Rangers new found troubles with the team scoring just 11 runs in its last four games. Of course in Texas' last two outings it had to manage without star outfielder Josh Hamilton, who broke his right arm while sliding into home plate in 2-0 win over Detroit.
Runs support or no, this evening's starter, Matt Harrison, will need to navigate the Yanks potent lineup with greater success than he has in the past if the Rangers are to avoid a third consecutive loss. Harrison is 1-1 in five career appearances against New York, but his ERA versus New York stands at a lackluster 7.53 (12 earned runs allowed in 14.1 innings).
Harrison has been magnificent in his first two outings this season, though, posting a 2-0 record with a 1.29 ERA and 0.71 WHIP.
New York, now 7-4 after recording back to back wins against division rival Baltimore, will look to keep the Rangers' bats cooled off with young right hander Ivan Nova on the hill. Nova certainly did not cool off anything in his first two starts of the season, giving up 13 hits and seven earned runs over 10.1 innings. However, New York prevailed on both occasions after plating 13 runs in support of the Dominican native.
Tonight's game marks the first meeting between these two squads since last year's ALCS. Texas won that series 4-2, giving it a nine wins in its last 12 games against New York.
Rangers vs Yankees Odds 2011 MLB Predictions:
Texas Rangers +1.5 (-155), Over 10 (+100), +120 (Moneyline)
New York Yankees -1.5 (+135), Under 10 (-120), -140 (Moneyline)
