Rays at Rangers MLB Picks – June 5, 2010: The Tampa Bay Rays continue to lead the American League East, and they still own the best record in the majors (36-19), as they get ready to play game-2 of a three game series at western Division leader Texas Rangers today (4:15 pm Eastern).
BetUS.com lists the Rays as -140 favorites for Saturday's game on its MLB moneyline with a 9 1/2-run total. Rangers backers are getting +120 odds as a home underdog.The Rays, just endured a 2-5 homestand, during which they scored a total of 24 runs followed by Friday's series opener in Arlington Friday night. This week, Tampa has split the first two games of its series in Toronto, going into a series rubber match Wednesday night. Through Tuesday's action the Rays lead the East by 2 games over the second-place New York Yankees.
Texas, meanwhile, broke a four-game losing streak with a 9-6 win over the Chicago White Sox on Tuesday. In spite of losing six of their last 10 games, the Rangers lead the Western Division by a single game over the Oakland Athletics.
For Saturday's game, the Rangers will look to right-hander Tommy Hunter, who has no record for the Rangers in 2010 due to beginning the season on the disabled list. Hunter was 9-6 with a 4.10 ERA in 15 starts for the Rangers last year. Hunter compiled a 1-2 record with a 4.05 ERA in six starts at Triple-A Oklahoma City. In 26 2/3 innings he has allowed 28 hits while walking 11 and striking out 14.
Countering for the Rays, ace right-hander James Shields (5-3, 3.62 ERA) returns to the mound after his worst outing of the year, an 11-hit, seven run loss to the White Sox in 5 1/3 innings of work. Shields will make his 12th start of the season and his first of the season against Texas. The right-hander is 2-1 with a 4.82 ERA in four career starts against the Rangers.
MLB Picks: With Shields on the mound, the Rays are the best choice for betting action – giving -140. Barring any pitching meltdowns, the UNDER 9 1/2 looks good for total's wagering.
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