Posted on
4/10/2008 1:34:59 PM
MLB Baseball Free Picks – Baltimore Orioles at Texas Rangers
By Eric Williams
While the Baltimore Orioles, (6-1), have been trying to change the atmosphere around their struggling franchise entering this season, no one expected the O’s to do much more than come in fourth place at best in the tough AL East.
The Orioles have blown that theory out of the water, at least in the early going, having won six consecutive games entering tonight’s contest against the Texas Rangers, (3-4).
Baltimore emphatically spanked the Rangers 8-1 in Tuesday's series opener. The teams didn’t play on Wednesday because of inclement weather, putting a doubleheader on tap for tonight.
"When you're going as good as we are, you want to keep playing," Orioles manager Dave Trembley said. "I'd rather play, but there's nothing you can do about the weather."
The Orioles haven't lost since dropping their season opener to the Tampa Bay Rays.
"We want to keep doing the things we're doing," left fielder Jay Payton said. "Right now is the time when you don't want a day off ever. You just want to keep playing and try and keep rolling."
Baltimore's its bullpen, which has a jaw-dropping 0.74 ERA, has fueled the team’s winning ways, allowing just two runs in 24 1/3 innings, allowing 11 hits and five walks.
Adam Loewen, (0-0, 7.71) starts the nightcap for the Orioles and is coming off a solid performance in his first start, allowing four runs on four hits and three walks in 4 2/3 innings Saturday against the Seattle Mariners.
The Rangers will counter with veteran left-hander Kason Gabbard, (1-0, 0.00 ERA) who limited the Los Angeles Angels to no runs on seven hits in seven innings, striking out four and walking two.
Here is a look at tonight’s key trends followed by my MLB Betting Sportsbook Picks:
Key Orioles Trends
The Orioles are 5-0 in their last five vs. American League West.
The Orioles are 5-0 in their last five games with the total set at 9.0-10.5.
The Orioles are 6-0 in their last six games on grass.
Key Rangers Trends
The Rangers are 5-1 in their last six home games vs. a left-handed starter.
The Rangers are 4-1 in their last five home games.
The Rangers are 4-1 in their last five games vs. a team with a winning percentage above .600.
Key Totals Trends
The Over is 4-0 in Orioles last four during game two of a series.
The Under is 4-0 in Orioles last four vs. a team with a losing record.
The Under is 5-1 in Orioles last six games as a road underdog.
The Under is 5-1 in Rangers last six during game two of a series.
The Under is 4-1 in Rangers last five vs. American League East.
The Over is 4-1-1 in Rangers last six games vs. a team with a winning percentage above .600.
Key Head-to-Head Trends
The Under is 7-1 in the last eight meetings in Texas.
The Under is 4-1 in the last five meetings.
Analysis: What in the name of Jim Palmer is going on in Baltimore? The Orioles are the correct pick tonight as they will get another fine start from Gabbard on the way to victory.
MLB Free Picks: Orioles 4 Rangers 3
08:05 PM EST MLB Odds
BAL Orioles Game # 2
Adam Loewen - L +1½ -150
TEX Rangers Game # 2
Kason Gabbard - L -1½ +130
Over 10½ -105
Under 10½ -115
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