The Texas Rangers are fighting to hold off the Los Angeles Angels in for the American League West lead and got a little shot in the arm this week with Adrian Beltre\u2019s return from the DL. <\/p>\n
Bet ON MLB – Rangers vs. Red Sox Preview & Pick<\/strong> Texas Rangers (78-60 through September 1)<\/strong> It comes just in time for the team\u2019s tough trip to Boston this weekend.<\/p>\n Colby Lewis has a difficult test ahead of him as he tries to right the ship. There\u2019s no questioning his stuff and strikeout ability but Lewis just can\u2019t keep the ball in the park. He\u2019s up to 31 homers allowed in 171.2 innings this season. Lewis has been tagged for at least four earned runs five times in his last 10 starts.<\/p>\n One of those outings was a nightmare against Boston on August 23. The BoSox drilled him for seven runs and two homers \u2013 both by Adrian Gonzalez. Lewis should consider walking A-Gone whenever he comes to bat on Saturday.<\/p>\n Boston Red Sox (83-53 through September 1)<\/strong> The Boston Red Sox are locked in a battle with the New York Yankees for first in the AL East after losing two of three at home to the Bronx Bombers this week. They need every win they can get this month. [dfads params=’groups=10&limit=1&return_javascript=0′]<\/p>\n In theory, they should be in reasonably good hands with newly acquired Erik Bedard on the hill, but he\u2019s been unlucky with Boston. Bedard has a 3.46 ERA and 26 strikeouts in 26 innings over five starts with the team but hasn\u2019t won a game yet. He has a respectable 3.42 ERA over 14 career starts against Texas.<\/p>\n TEX are 9-3 in their last 12 road games. Bedard hasn\u2019t been perfect by any means but Lewis is a walking red flag these days. He\u2019s just far too hittable and, as we saw just over a week ago, the majors\u2019 top hitting team in terms of batting and OPS make a hellish matchup for him. I wouldn\u2019t be surprised if Lewis\u2019 start Saturday was very similar to his last outing versus Boston.<\/p>\n
\nDate: <\/strong>Saturday, September 3, 2011
\nVenue: <\/strong>Fenway Park, Boston, MA
\nBroadcast: <\/strong>FOX
\nTexas Rangers at Boston Red Sox Betting Lines from Sportsbook.com<\/strong>
\nMoney Line: Red Sox -148<\/strong>
\nOver\/Under: 9.5<\/strong>
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\nColby Lewis (11-9, 4.19)<\/p>\n
\nErik Bedard (4-9, 3.45)<\/p>\nMLB Trends<\/h3>\n
\nOver is 8-3-1 in TEX last 12 Sat. games.
\nUnder is 5-2-1 in TEX last 8 games following a win.
\nBOS are 8-2 in their last 10 Sat. games.
\nTEX are 16-38 in the last 54 meetings in Boston.
\nTEX are 11-5 in the last 16 meetings.<\/p>\nMLB Free pick: <\/h3>\n