On the MLB Schedule for Wednesday afternoon, the stage is set for Game 2 of the best-of-three series, pitting the Texas Rangers against the Tampa Bay Rays.
In a decisive Game 1, the Rangers emerged as dominant victors, blanking the Rays with a score of 4-0. This victory marked the Rangers’ return to postseason action for the first time since 2016.
Rangers vs Rays Picks
Take the Texas Rangers at +135 over the Tampa Bay Rays in Wednesday’s matchup.
In the hierarchy of the American League, the Rangers entered the playoffs as the fifth seed, while the Rays claimed the fourth seed. The winner of this series will advance to face the top-seeded Baltimore Orioles in the ensuing round.
Looking at the MLB standings, we should be in for an exciting game. Let’s get to our Rangers vs Rays predictions:
Texas Rangers vs. Tampa Bay Rays Odds
Before our MLB Picks, take a look at the updated odds for one of the four MLB games in the postseason Wednesday:
- Moneyline: Tampa Bay Rays -155, Texas Rangers +135
- Runline: Tampa Bay Rays -1.5 (+135), Texas Rangers +1.5 (-160)
- Total: 7.5
Rangers vs. Rays Information
Before our Rangers vs Rays predictions, take a look at some information for this game on the MLB Schedule:
Texas Rangers vs Tampa Bay Rays
Location of the game: Tropicana Field. St. Petersburg, FL.
Date & Time: Wednesday, October 4. 3:08 pm EST.
How to Watch: ABC
Texas Rangers vs. Tampa Bay Rays Analysis
Taking the mound for the Texas Rangers in this pivotal matchup is Nathan Eovaldi. Eovaldi comes into the game following a loss in his last regular-season start. He lasted just 3.1 innings, surrendering five hits and seven runs. This appearance marked his 24th start of the season. Which concluded with a respectable 12-5 record and a 3.63 earned run average.
In the previous Game 1, the Rangers secured their 4-0 triumph behind Jordan Montgomery’s superb performance, as he pitched seven scoreless innings. The Rangers’ bullpen continued the shutout with two hitless innings.
Offensive contributions for the Rangers materialized in the second inning with an RBI from Josh Jung. A wild pitch in the fifth inning led to the second run, and Corey Seager further solidified the victory with two runs batted in during the sixth. Notable performers included Seager, Leodis Taveras, and Evan Carter, each contributing two hits in the win.
After a slight decline in form down the stretch, allowing Houston to snatch the AL West title and secure a first-round bye. The Texas Rangers are eager to rekindle their consistent offensive performance.
The Rangers ranked as the third-best scoring team, tallying 881 runs, and maintained a robust .263 batting average against other MLB teams. Ranking them second-best in Major League Baseball. Key offensive contributors for the Rangers include Seager, Adolis Garcia, and Marcus Semien, with Semien driving in 100 runs, Garcia contributing 107 RBIs, and Seager leading the team with a .327 batting average.
Zach Eflin Takes the Mound
Meanwhile, Zach Eflin will assume the pitching duties for the Tampa Bay Rays. Eflin amassed 30 regular-season starts and wrapped up the campaign with a solid 16-8 record. His ERA slightly rose to 3.50 in his final start on September 26th in Boston, where he pitched five innings, allowing five hits and three runs.
Impressively, Eflin has maintained consistency over his last eight starts, consistently pitching five innings or more while limiting his opponents to three or fewer earned runs.
Randy Arozarena, known for his strong postseason performances, secured two hits for the Rays in Game 1. However, the Rays find themselves in need of an offensive resurgence. Despite finishing fourth in runs scored across all of baseball and boasting the third-best batting average at .260, the Rays face the challenge of reinvigorating their offense.
Yandy Diaz led the team with a .330 average, while Isaac Paredes provided power with 31 home runs and 98 runs batted in. Josh Lowe also had a solid season, as his MLB Player Stats show him hitting .292 with 20 home runs and 83 batted in.
Rangers vs. Rays Betting Picks
Anticipate a resilient performance from Nathan Eovaldi in this game, drawing upon his pitching expertise and experience. The Tampa Bay offense struggled in their Game 1 loss. But Eovaldi and the bullpen are poised to keep them off balance.
Expect the Texas Rangers to continue their scoring and expand their lead as the game progresses, ultimately clinching victory on the road in both series games.
- Barring any late additions to the MLB injury report, take the Texas Rangers at +135 over the Tampa Bay Rays in Wednesday’s matchup.
Texas Rangers vs. Tampa Bay Rays Prediction
- One of our Rangers vs Rays predictions for this game is the Texas Rangers 5-1 over the Tampa Bay Rays. The Rays season comes to an end, as the Rangers move on.
If you love sports and want more sports betting information follow us as @InsidersBetDig on Twitter and sign up to our mailing list for free betting picks.