Baseball Betting: Twins vs. Rangers Odds & Prediction: August 20th 2009

Minnesota Twins vs. Texas Rangers
Free Pick: Texas Rangers -1.5 (+100 odds)
Thu August 20th 2009 8:05p
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The Minnesota Twins have taken the last two games of this series vs. the Texas Rangers after losing the series opener, but we look for the Rangers to gain the series split in emphatic fashion tonight.

Young southpaw Derek Holland has been very impressive for the Rangers, allowing three earned runs or less in four consecutive starts. Furthermore, he is coming off of the two best starts of his brief career, allowing a total of two runs and 10 hits in 15.2 innings with 11 strikeouts vs. only three walks. It should also help him that he is facing a left-handed laden Minnesota lineup.

On the flip side, Twins starter Anthony Swarzak is sputtering badly, as he has a horrific 18.00 ERA and 3.25 WHIP over his last three starts, lasting a grand total of just eight innings in those starts. That actually earned a demotion to the bullpen for Swarzak, but he is being given one last chance here because projected starter Brian Duensing was forced to pitch in relief on Monday. It also hurts that he is facing a Texas lineup that is batting.301 as a team over the last 10 games.

Finally, the Rangers have remained in the wild card hunt by winning the games that they are supposed to win, going 12-4 in their last 16 games as a favorite. Look for a big win Thursday night

MLB Free Pick: Rangers -1.5 (+100)