MLB Betting \u2013 Red Sox vs Rangers Preview & Pick<\/strong> Boston Red Sox <\/strong> After nabbing Carl Crawford and Adrian Gonzalez this offseason, the Boston Red Sox are the American League\u2019s most hyped team. While they\u2019re deserving of AL Pennant frontrunner status, they still need a few things to break right that didn\u2019t last season. Getting full healthy years out of Dustin Pedroia and Kevin Youkilis is one thing.<\/p>\n Another is getting a better effort from John Lackey in his second campaign with the club. He wasn\u2019t horrible by any means but he was more of a mediocre innings eater after being closer to an ace or at least an excellent No. 2 during his time with the Angels. A sloppy start was part of the problem for Lackey in 2010; he went 9-5 in the first half but had a 4.78 ERA over that span.<\/p>\n A trip to Rangers Ballpark may not be the way to get Lackey started on the right foot. In 16 career starts there, he has a 6.11 ERA and 13 homers allowed over 84 innings.<\/p>\n Texas Rangers <\/strong> The Texas Rangers reached their first-ever World Series last year and want to build on that with another strong season. One man hugely responsible for the deep 2010 playoff run was Colby Lewis, who was lights-out for Texas after returning from a lengthy stint in Japan. For all the love Cliff Lee got, Lewis was just as effective last postseason, going 3-0 with a 1.71 ERA. Most of the Red Sox regulars haven\u2019t seen Lewis much in their career. Only David Ortiz, Marco Scutaro and Mike Cameron have more than 10 at-bats against him. So, while he\u2019ll have to be careful against Big Papi (2 homers in 11 at-bats versus Lewis), Lewis could have deception going for him on Saturday.<\/p>\n MLB Trends:<\/strong><\/p>\n BOS are 2-6 in their last 8 Sat. games. The pick:<\/strong><\/p>\n As dominant as I think Boston will be this season, I don\u2019t think a win is in the cards for Saturday night. Not only do the Boston hitters not know much about Lewis, the Ranger hitters really have Lackey\u2019s number after facing him for so many years when he pitched for their division rival Los Angeles Angels.<\/p>\n Josh Hamilton (.435, 2 HR, 6 RBI, 23 AB versus Lackey), Ian Kinsler (.429, 3 HR, 6 RBI, 21 AB) and Michael Young (.360, 2 HR, 15 RBI, 84 AB) will keep Lackey up at night before his start and should lead Texas to victory on Saturday.<\/p>\n
\nDate: <\/strong>Saturday, April 2, 2011
\nVenue: <\/strong>Rangers Ballpark in Arlington, Arlington, TX
\nBroadcast: <\/strong>NESN, FSH
\nBoston Red Sox vs Texas Rangers Betting Lines from Betus.com<\/strong>
\nMoney Line: <\/strong> Red Sox +105, Rangers -125
\nSpread: <\/strong> Red Sox +1\u00bd-185, Rangers -1\u00bd+165
\nTotal: <\/strong> Over 9.5 (EV), Under 9.5 -120
\n CLICK here for INDEPTH MLB ATS Stats for this matchup —><\/strong><\/a>
\n Bet now at BETUS —><\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n
\nJohn Lackey (2010: 14-11, 4.40 ERA)<\/p>\n
\nColby Lewis (2010: 12-13. 3.72 ERA)<\/p>\n![\"\"](\"http:\/\/media.partners.betus.com\/BANNERS\/baseball\/sportsbook_baseball_250x250_mybanner.gif\")
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\nUnder is 35-15-5 in TEX last 55 Sat. games.
\nUnder is 7-3-2 in Lewis’ last 12 home starts.
\nUnder is 18-8-3 in Lewis’ last 29 on grass.
\nBOS are 2-6 in the last 8 meetings.
\nUnder is 14-6 in the last 20 meetings.<\/p>\n