Rangers vs Rays Game 5 MLB Playoffs 2010 Picks, Predictions & Odds: The 2010 MLB season is on the line Tuesday (8:00 pm ET) for both the Tampa Bay Rays and Texas Rangers as the two clubs battle to see who will advance to the American League Championship Series to play the New York Yankees. If the trend stays the same as in games one-through-four, the Rangers could have the advantage as the visiting team is 4-0 in this series. Texas will give the ball to game-1 winner Cliff Lee, hoping lightening can strike twice. Showing confidence in their young left-hander, the Rays will look to starter David Price, who was the losing pitcher opposite Lee in game-1. During the regular season Lee finished with a 12-9 record with a 3.18 ERA while Price ended the regular campaign at 19-6 with a 2.72 ERA.
Lee pitched the Rangers to a 5-1 win in Game 1, holding the Rays to one run on five hits while fanning 10. He did not walk a batter. He is now 5-0 with a 1.52 ERA in six postseason starts, the fifth lowest among pitchers with five postseason starts.
It wasn't as if Price was awful in Game 1. He just didn't live up to his standards, allowing nine hits and five runs (four earned) while walking none and striking out eight in 6 2/3 innings. He's grateful for a shot at redemption in Game 5.
The Rays defeated Texas 5-2 as a +100 underdog in Game 4 on Sunday. The seven runs scored fell UNDER the posted 9-run total. Evan Longoria was 3-4 with a home run and two RBI for Tampa Bay, while Wade Davis allowed two runs on seven hits with seven strikeouts in five innings. Nelson Cruz hit a solo home run for Texas and Tommy Hunter surrendered three runs on six hits in four innings.
MLB Picks: The Rays have stolen the momentum by sweeping the Rangers in Texas, sending the ALDS back to Florida for a final Game-5. I'm going to play Devil's advocate with this pick and go with Texas on the moneyline +102. The sole reason I like the Rangers in this one is because of Cliff Lee on the mound. If for some reason Lee doesn't start, then all bets are off.
Bet the 2010 MLB Playoffs at online sportsbook Bodog.com and receive a 10% Deposit Bonus and start winning today!
