This is a big early series between Texas and Oakland the Rangers struck first with a victory Monday night. Yu Darvish was not as dominant as he has been to start the season but he kept the team in it and let a bullpen that gave up only one his over the final three innings win it. <\/p>\n
Texas Rangers (12-8) vs. Oakland A\u2019s (13-6)
\n<\/strong>Tuesday April 22
\n<\/strong>O.co Coliseum – Oakland, CA
\n<\/strong>10:05PM<\/strong>
\nProbable Pitchers:
\n<\/strong>TEX: \u00a0Nicholas Martinez (R)
\n<\/strong>OAK: \u00a0Tom Milone<\/strong>
\nMoneyline: \u00a0Oakland -142, Texas +132
\n<\/strong>Total: \u00a07<\/strong>
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Texas<\/h3>\n
The Rangers are still waiting on Prince Fielder to get in gear as there has been a major power outage in Texas. They are in the bottom quarter of MLB in homers right now.<\/p>\n
The Rangers are hoping that someone can emerge in their rotation if they just throw enough guys out there. <\/p>\n
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This will be Nicholas Martinez\u2019s second start in the Majors and it will come against the first place A\u2019s. \u00a0Prior to this season he had not pitched above AA so he is making quite the jump. <\/p>\n
His debut was a loss to Tampa last week. \u00a0It wasn\u2019t absolutely terrible but he is going to win too many games where he gives up multiple homers.
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Even though they dropped the opener of the series the A\u2019s still own first place in the AL West. It is no surprise that pitching has been leading the way – they are second in the Majors in ERA – but the offense has been very good too with 3B Josh Donaldson proving last season was no fluke. <\/p>\n
Unfortunately it is looking like last season was no fluke for Josh Reddick as well. Oakland was hoping for a bounceback but the slugging OF is barely hitting above his weight right now.<\/p>\n
Tommy Milone missed his first go through the rotation so he is playing a little bit of catchup. So far he has not been super sharp this season but he is making his first start at O.co in this one and that will make a difference. <\/p>\n
Over the last three seasons his ERA is more than a run better in the A\u2019s spacious home park. Be careful though, the Rangers have hit him hard over that span no matter where the games have been played.<\/p>\n
The pitchers park should help out both hurlers in this one but there will be still be some runs on the board. The A\u2019s have been getting it done on the mound and with the stick and they will get it done in this early series between the top two teams in the division. <\/p>\n
Look closely at the over too after what is likely a low scoring affair on Monday night.<\/p>\n