Rangers vs Rays Game 4 MLB Playoffs 2011 Odds: Tropicana Field in St. Petersburg, FL, was once again a home away from home for Ron Washington’s club, as they took a pivotal Game 3 of their best-of-five series over Joe Maddon’s bunch. Facing elimination at home, the (1-2) Tampa Bay Rays [-113 ML] will try to send this series back to the Lone Star State for a decisive Game 5, but the (2-1) Texas Rangers [+103 ML] will have something to say about that this evening.
Game 4 of the Rangers and Rays will be the first elimination matchup of this year’s MLB Playoffs 2011 and it all starts this afternoon at 2 PM ET on TBS Sports. Trying to close things out, on the hill today for Texas, will be LHP Matt Harrison (2011 ALDS: 0-0, 13.50 ERA) taking on RHP Jeremy Hellickson (First start of MLB Playoffs 2011). As a result of this pitching matchup, Game 4 MLB Playoffs 2011 Odds makers have set the OVER/UNDER mark at a total of 8½ runs scored.
The Rangers out the Rays on their heels last night, taking home-field advantage right back with an impressive, 4-3 victory. Trailing 1-0 in the 7th inning, catcher Mike Napoli put the Rangers ahead with a two-run shot to left on a 2-2 fastball from David Price. That was the beginning of the end for the Rays, who couldn’t muster enough offensively to overtake the Rangers’ clutch bats.
"If you ever wanted to see a great baseball game, that was one out there today," Washington said. "It was quite intense. Each one of the clubs had opportunities to do some things, and I am just so happy we were able to get the 27th out."
For the Rays, they now find themselves in a position all too familiar, as they face elimination once again. After being counted out of the 2011 Playoffs, sneaking into the postseason on the final day of the season at home, Tampa Bay will avoid ending the 2011 season in front of its home crowd. This team believes that having its back against the wall brings the best out of everyone.
"We've been underdogs all year," said Johnny Damon. "We're not going to make the playoffs. We're not going to catch Boston. We lost too many pieces. And we, as a team, look at each other and say, 'That's OK, count us as underdogs, but we're not going to buy into it.' Hopefully tomorrow is another great finish for us here and we're planning on going to Texas."
My Game 4 MLB Playoffs 2011 Pick: I like the Tampa Bay Rays [-113] to prevail tonight and make it to the series finale! Get $50 in Free MLB Picks Here!
