Ohtani, Angels to silence favored Rangers

Tony Reyes
By , Updated on: Dec 20, 2023 07:00 PM
Ohtani, Angels to silence favored Rangers
  • When: Thursday, June 15 at 8:05 PM ET
  • Who: Angels at Rangers
  • Starting Pitchers: Shohei Ohtani and Nathan Eovaldi
  • Where: Globe Life Field in Arlington, TX

The Angels are headed to Texas to face off against the Rangers. The Angels are +115 underdogs against the Rangers on Thursday. It feels like a mistake by the oddsmakers.

The second game of the series, after the Rangers defeated the Angels 6-3 yesterday. In addition to the Angels being the underdogs, the total runs are set at 8.5, and it feels high, considering the pitching matchup.

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Game Preview

The Rangers have been one of the best teams in baseball this season. They have a stellar 41-25 record and lead the American League West. Meanwhile, the Angels are hot on their heels, trailing the Rangers by just three games in the standings.

Money LineBovadaBetOnlineBetUS
Angels+108+112+115
Rangers-130-122-125

Shohei Ohtani will take the Angels mound, while Nathan Eovaldi will be on the hill for the Rangers. Both pitchers have performed excellent this season.

Ohtani has recorded 102 strikeouts with a 3.32 ERA while recording a 5-2 overall record this season. As good as Ohtani has been this season, Eovaldi has arguably been better.

Eovaldi has a 9-2 record with 83 strikeouts and a 2.49 ERA. We are in for a pitcher's duel in this matchup.

Oddsmakers have listed the Rangers as favorites with a -125 price on the money line.

I recommend against betting on the Rangers to win this game.

Texas Rangers To win game
-125
BetUS

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Total Runs

I mentioned the pitching matchup earlier because the total of 8.5 runs was a little high. Oddsmakers must not think too highly of each team's bullpens because both teams are sending out their pitching aces.

Total RunsBovadaBetOnlineBetUS
Over 8.5 Runs-110+100-105
Under 8.5 Runs-120-120-115

The total has gone over in the last 5 Rangers games, and I'm betting on that to change. Ohtani will limit the Rangers high-powered offense, and I expect Eovaldi to do the same to the Angels.

Texas Rangers

The Texas Rangers' bullpen has faced its fair share of challenges this season. Out of the 103 inherited runners, they have managed to hold the opposition scoreless in 31.1% of those instances.

In high-pressure situations, their relievers have taken the mound 49 times, often with base runners on 61 occasions.

Despite having 55 save opportunities, the Rangers have converted 32 holds but also experienced 10 blown saves, resulting in a save rate of 54.5%, ranking them 24th in the league.

This season, they have utilized 177 relievers, highlighting the team's efforts to find the right bullpen combinations.

Defensively, the Texas Rangers have demonstrated solid fielding prowess. They have turned 58 double plays, showcasing their ability to convert two outs quickly.

With a fielding percentage of .987, they have made 31 errors in their defensive plays, resulting in a reliable 1,759 putouts. Regarding overall defensive efficiency, the Rangers have performed well, boasting a rate of 70.6%, which places them 5th in Major League Baseball.

Throughout their 5,277 innings on the field, they have accumulated 571 assists, reflecting their commitment to solid defensive play.

I need help understanding this total, and it feels like a mistake we can take advantage of to make some easy money.

I recommend betting Under 8.5 runs at -125 at BetUS.

Under 8.5 Runs Angels vs Rangers
-115
BetUS

Money Line

Let's continue this discussion regarding the money line in this matchup. We've discovered that we like under 8.5 runs in this game.

Los Angeles Angels

The Los Angeles Angels have showcased their power at the plate this season, amassing 110 doubles and 97 home runs. Their slugging percentage stands at .433, demonstrating their ability to drive the ball with authority.

However, their aggressive approach has also resulted in 604 strikeouts, although they have shown discipline by drawing 231 walks.

Offensively, the Angels have been productive, averaging 4.9 runs per game, ranking them 7th in the league. They have contributed to their run production with 329 runs batted in and 601 hits, maintaining a solid batting average of .256.

Additionally, they have crossed the plate 340 times and hold a good team on-base percentage of .330.

Overall, the Los Angeles Angels have exhibited a formidable offensive performance, combining power and consistency to make an impact on the scoreboard.

I like Ohtani to get the best of the Rangers and pull off the upset win in this game. I recommend betting on the Angels to win the game at +125 odds at BetUS.

Los Angeles Angels To win game
+115
BetUS

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Meet the author

Tony Reyes

With years of experience as both a fan and analyst, Tony brings an expert voice to picks and predictions. His love of sports betting comes through in coverage that informs and entertains in equal measure. When not watching the games or covering them, you can find Tony s...

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