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The Texas Rangers and Detroit Tigers will conclude a four-game series at Comerica Park on Thursday afternoon. It’s time to continue our MLB Odds series and make a Rangers-Tigers prediction and pick.
Detroit has been in full control of this series and is now going for its second sweep in a row to open the second half of the season. The Tigers opened the series with a 14-0 victory and followed it up with two straight tight victories. Texas will be looking to snap its current eight-game losing streak in the series finale.
Here’s how sportsbooks have set the Rangers-Tigers odds.
MLB Odds: Rangers-Tigers Odds
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Texas Rangers +1.5 (-158)
Detroit Tigers -1.5 (+138)
Over 9 Runs (-125)
Under 9 Runs (+105)
Why The Rangers Could Cover The Spread
The Rangers are in the midst of a long-term rebuild as this season has certainly gotten away from them. They’ve been competitive at times, but the Rangers have now lost eight straight games to date. They are 35-61 on the season thanks to their dreadful 13-36 road record. Texas has lost seven straight road games, including the first three of this series. The Rangers have yet to surpass two runs in a game since the All-Star break and have allowed double-digit runs in three of their last six.
The Rangers will turn to right-hander Mike Foltynewicz as they look to avoid the sweep. Foltynewicz has been far from impressive this season with a 2-9 record and 5.91 ERA through 19 starts. The 29-year-old has struck out just 73 batters through 102 innings of work. He has a whopping 8.07 ERA through his last seven starts and allowed 10 earned runs against the Toronto Blue Jays in his last start. The Rangers starter has shown flashes this season, but he cannot be trusted under any circumstance.
Why The Tigers Could Cover The Spread
Similar to Texas, the Tigers are in the middle of a full rebuild as well. Their rebuild seems to be going a bit more according to plan, because this team has looked great recently. The Tigers have won six straight games to improve their record to 46-51. Their current eight-game home winning streak has helped improve their record to 27-22 at Comerica Park. Detroit hasn’t lost a game since the first half and has allowed fewer than two runs in five of its last six. The Tigers have enjoyed playing against the Rangers with wins in five of their last six head-to-head matchups.
Detroit will send out left-hander Tyler Alexander in an attempt to complete the sweep. Alexander has entered the rotation in more of an opener role as he has made 27 appearances and just three starts this season. He has been effective at times with a 1-1 record and 4.40 ERA through 43 innings of work. The southpaw has improved his ERA over his last seven appearances and will be coming off a strong two-run outing against the Minnesota Twins his last time out.
Final Rangers-Tigers Prediction & Pick
It’s hard to imagine that anything will change in the finale of this series. Detroit has been in full control of this series and will have the edge in the pitching matchup once again. The Tigers are starting to see their long rebuild start to pay off with some terrific team efforts lately. The likelihood of them reaching the playoffs is slim-to-none, but the Tigers are clearly playing winning baseball at the moment. Detroit is one of the hottest teams in baseball right now, especially at home. Pick the Tigers to extend their winning streak in convincing fashion.
FINAL PICK: Detroit Tigers ML (-134)