MLB Betting \u2013 Rangers vs Phillies Preview & Pick Texas Rangers (23-20 through May 18) After a 9-1 start to the season, the Texas Rangers have gone 14-19, It\u2019s hard to blame them; reigning American League MVP Josh Hamilton and their second-best power threat, Nelson Cruz, remain on the DL, though both guys could return within a week.<\/p>\n The Rangers have shown some signs of life lately, winning five of seven. Adrian Beltre and his 10 homers have been a big part of that surge. C.J. Wilson, who will start Friday\u2019s interleague affair against the Phillies, is coming around. He\u2019s allowed two earned runs or fewer in three of four starts. I still think Wilson is a bit lucky, as he walked 13 guys over that stretch, but the Rangers seem to like playing in front of him. They\u2019re 31-13 over Wilson\u2019s last 44 starts. <\/p>\n Philadelphia Phillies (26-16 through May 18) The Phillies\u2019 Phantastic Phour of Roy Halladay, Cliff Lee, Cole Hamels and Roy Oswalt have to be growing frustrated. They\u2019ve guided the Phils to a 3.06 team ERA, third best in baseball. Over their last five games, the Phillies have allowed 5, 3, 3, 2 and 1 runs \u2013 and they\u2019ve won once. The Phils have scored 3, 2, 1, 1 and 2 runs. The Phillies! The powerhouse Phillies! Where has the offense gone?<\/p>\n The truth is that Ryan Howard just doesn\u2019t have enough support right now. Raul Ibanez\u2019s age has caught up to him; even though Shane Victorino and Placido Polanco have done admirable jobs, they\u2019re not natural run producers. They desperately need Chase Utley and maybe top prospect Domonic Brown in the lineup.<\/p>\n MLB Trends:<\/strong><\/p>\n TEX are 4-9 in their last 13 road games. The pick:<\/strong> <\/p>\n As dominant as Doc Halladay is against almost everyone, a few teams have his number time and time again. The Brewers showed that earlier this season; the Rangers are another team that consistently gets to him. Doc is just 7-7 with a 5.36 ERA against them in his career. He\u2019s had problems with Ian Kinsler and Mike Napoli, both of whom hit above .300 against him.<\/p>\n Given that the Rangers play well in front of Wilson, that they\u2019ve succeeded against Halladay in the past and that they\u2019ll face a Phillies lineup struggling to score, I like them as an upset play on Friday night.<\/p>\n
\nDate: May 20, 2011
\nVenue: Citizens Bank Park, Philadelphia, PA
\nBroadcast: KTXA, WB17
\nTexas Rangers at Philadelphia Phillies Betting Lines from Betonline.com
\nMoney Line: Phillies -160
\nOver\/Under: 7 (-110)<\/strong>
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\nC.J. Wilson (4-2, 3.37)<\/strong><\/p>\n
\nRoy Halladay (5-3, 2.21)<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/a><\/p>\n
\nOver is 10-2-2 in Wilsons last 14 starts on grass.
\nOver is 9-2-1 in Wilsons last 12 starts overall.
\nPHI are 22-8 in their last 30 Fri. games.
\nPHI are 48-22 in their last 70 home games.
\nPHI are 13-3 in Halladays last 16 home starts.<\/p>\n