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Rangers Run Line vs Red Sox Among Best Bets in MLB on Sept. 18

· Sep 18 - 4 minutes read

The Boston Red Sox (74-76) will visit the Texas Rangers (82-67) for a three-game series. Boston has been a poor MLB bet, as it is on a four-game losing streak and is 1-6 over its previous seven games. The Red Sox’s playoff hopes are nearly over, as they are 8.5 games back. Boston will look to harm the Rangers’ postseason chances. Texas holds a one-game lead for the final wild-card spot in the American League.

Game 1 of the Red Sox-Rangers takes place on Monday. Check out who’s taking the mound and the best MLB predictions for today.

Rangers Run Line vs Red Sox Among Best Bets in MLB on Sept. 18

Starting Pitchers

Kutter Crawford (6-7, 4.26 ERA) vs. Jordan Montgomery (9-11, 3.47)

Kutter Crawford is enjoying a career-best season with a 4.26 ERA and a 1.170 WHIP. However, he has lacked quality starts in recent outings. Crawford has not completed five innings in three consecutive starts. He has a dreadful 9.82 ERA over his previous three starts. The Rangers are a tough task, as they rank second in hits per game.

Since Texas acquired Jordan Montgomery from the St. Louis Cardinals via trade, the veteran lefty has posted solid numbers. Montgomery has a 3.59 ERA in eight starts with the Rangers. He enjoyed an impressive August with a 2.30 ERA. However, Montgomery’s numbers are sliding at the wrong time. He has a 6.06 ERA in three starts this month. Fortunately, Montgomery comes off an exceptional start with no earned runs in seven innings of work.

Cash in on Montgomery’s Strikeout Total

Montgomery could be in store for another strong outing. He is no stranger to the Red Sox, with 14 appearances with the New York Yankees from 2017-22. Take advantage of Montgomery’s matchup in MLB props for Sept. 18.

Which bet should we take? The over for Montgomery’s 5½ strikeouts is a favorable MLB picks. He is averaging about 4.9 strikeouts since August. Montgomery also totaled six strikeouts on Sept. 8.

Jordan Montgomery’s 2Ks in the 6th. pic.twitter.com/0w5f04qopG

— Rob Friedman (@PitchingNinja) September 14, 2023

Boston’s strikeouts have been quickly piling up. It is averaging 10.2 over its previous five games. For comparison, the Red Sox average 8.36 on the season (12th). With Montgomery coming off a quality start, take the over for his strikeout total.

MLB Pick: Jordan Montgomery Over 5½ Strikeouts (+105)

Texas Looks to Return Key Players

Boston is 8-2 in the last 10 head-to-head matchups. However, the Rangers took a big leap this season and the two have only met for one series in 2023. The Red Sox won the three-game showdown 2-1. But with Boston sliding, don’t be afraid to back Texas in MLB betting.

The Rangers have not been at full strength in weeks. Third baseman Josh Jung has been absent since Aug. 6, and right fielder Adolis Garcia has not played since Sept. 6. Both players could return in this series. This would be a massive boost to the batting order.

Jung was an American League Rookie of the Year candidate, and Garcia leads the team with 34 home runs and 100 RBIs. With or without Jung and Garcia, Texas is still capable of producing runs in bulk.

The Rangers have reached six runs in five of the last eight games. The Red Sox are averaging 2.6 runs in its previous seven games.

The pitching matchup only points to the run line even more. Montgomery could be returning to form and Crawford has struggled this month. Look for Texas to cover the run line.

MLB Pick: Texas Rangers -1½ (+130)