Two of the hottest teams in the league square off on Friday as the Texas Rangers visit the Baltimore Orioles. The Rangers have won five of their last six games entering this contest, the same streak that the Orioles have been on as well.
Which of these two teams is the best option for your MLB picks?
Rangers Continue to Lead West
The Rangers are no flash in the pan. Those who bet online can simply look at their 31-18 record or a number of the metrics. They don’t look like they’re any type of fluke.
The Rangers are No. 1 in the league in team batting average at .270 and No. 8 in team ERA. That’s a recipe for success and why they’re atop the AL West. Many keep expecting them to falter, but they look like they’re here to stay.
Orioles Flying Under the Radar
Statistically, Baltimore isn’t as high up the board as the Rangers in most categories. However, they have two more wins than Texas, thanks to their consistent efforts at the plate.
The Orioles are no strangers to close games, making MLB betting handicappers sweat. Recently, though, their bats have been doing more than enough. The O’s have scored 31 runs in their last six games, winning five, with their one loss being a 6-5 contest to the New York Yankees.
Starting Pitchers
Jon Gray (4-1, 3.02 ERA) vs Grayson Rodriguez (2-1, 6.21)
We’ll see Jon Gray get the nod for the Rangers. He’s been very good so far in 2023, with a 4-1 record and a strong 3.02 ERA. The team has won the last four games that he’s appeared on the mound, so keep that in mind in terms of the MLB odds.
In his past three outings, he’s given up just two runs over 20 innings.
Baltimore will roll with Grayson Rodriguez. He’s had a tough go so far. His record isn’t bad at 2-1, but he’s giving up way too many runs. His ERA ballooned to 6.21 after his last outing.
He has now given up 10 runs in his last eight innings pitched. With the best batting team in the league on the horizon, Rodriguez and the O’s might be a bet-against in the sportsbook tonight.
Rangers vs Orioles Head-to Head
Baltimore has dominated this matchup in the last three seasons, winning 12 out of 16 games.
Rangers vs Orioles Game Information
- Game: Rangers (31-18) vs Orioles (33-17)
- Location Oriole Park, Baltimore, MD
- Day/Time: Friday, May 26, 7:05 p.m. ET
- Rangers vs Orioles Live Stream: MLB.tv
Rangers vs Orioles Betting Lines
Over/Under Pick
The total for this game is set at 8½ runs, and the over looks good based on these talented bats. However, you could opt for MLB live betting and see how things are going in the first couple of innings before placing your bet.
Gray could cause Baltimore some problems, but this is a group with 31 runs scored in their past six outings. Meanwhile, Texas has the best batting average in the league and is going against a pitcher in a slump.
Pick: Over 8½
Moneyline Pick
The Orioles are listed as the favorites, which makes sense considering they’re the home team and have dominated Texas in the past three seasons. However, this could be the time that the tables turn.
The Rangers have the edge on the mound, and it’s significant. They’re worth a play here.
Pick: Texas Rangers +114
