MLB Betting – Tigers vs Rangers Game 1 ALCS Preview & Pick
Riding the high of a Game-5 victory in New York, the Detroit Tigers try to keep their clutch show going on the road at Texas for Game 1 of the American League Championship Series this Saturday night.
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MLB Playoff Betting – Tigers vs Rangers ALCS Game 1 Preview & Pick
Date: Saturday, October 8, 2011
Venue: Rangers Ballpark in Arlington, Arlington, TX
Broadcast: FOX
Detroit Tigers at Texas Rangers Betting Lines from BetUS.com
Money Line: Tigers -115, Rangers -105
Over/Under: 7.5
Detroit Tigers (Regular season: 95-67)
Justin Verlander (Playoffs: 1-0, 5.00)
Justin Verlander hopes to build on his 11-strikeout performance from Game 3 of the ALDS. In his only start versus the Rangers this year, he went the distance, allowing two earned runs, but still took the loss. One sign that he’s a true ace is that he doesn’t pick his spots. Against the always-potent Texas lineup, he’s 6-2 with a 2.31 ERA over nine career starts. Better yet, he’s a perfect 3-0 with a 1.29 ERA at Rangers Ballpark, which notoriously favors hitters.
Texas Rangers (Regular season: 96-66)
C.J. Wilson (Playoffs: (0-1, 10.80 ERA)
The Rangers outdueled Tampa Bay and get home field for the ALCS on the strength of their superior regular-season record but they’re still absolutely the underdog for Game 1. Verlander is a beast and C.J. Wilson has a lot to prove.[dfads params=’groups=10&limit=1&return_javascript=0′]
In last season’s playoffs, he was a so-so 1-2 with a 3.70 ERA and 10 walks in 24.1 innings. He had career year this season, winning 16 games and lowering his usually high walk rate. Wilson, however, didn’t deliver in the ALDS against Tampa Bay. The Rays rocked him for eight runs, six earned, three homers and seven hits over five innings.
Wilson was 8-2 with a 3.69 ERA at home this season but the comfort didn’t help him against Tampa. He has a 5.56 ERA in limited action against the Tigers in his career.
The pick:
Even if Wilson puts it all together for Game 1, that still may not be enough to beat Verlander. Aside from Josh Hamilton, most of Texas’ biggest threats hit from the right side, including Adrian Beltre, Michael Young, Ian Kinsler, Nelson Cruz and Mike Napoli. Righties hit .215 off Verlander this season. Turns out, after a closer look, lefties were even worse, hitting .174. So the bottom line is that Verlander blew through everyone he faced this year.
Look for Detroit to jump out to an early series lead.
Tigers vs Rangers prediction: Tigers 4, Rangers 2
Money Line: Tigers -115
Over/Under: UNDER 7.5
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