PREMIUM
The Coach's MLB Heavy Hitter - (Bigtime Blowout Potential)
(MLB) Cleveland vs. Texas,
Money Line: -134.00 Cleveland (Away)
Result: Loss
Money Line: -134.00 Cleveland (Away)
Result: Loss
The Cleveland Indians are coming off back-to-back wins against the Texas Rangers at Globe Life Park in Arlington. They've won 14 of the last 16 meetings overall, and I like their chances to complete the sweep of this three-game series Sunday afternoon.
Here are my keys to the game:
1. Pitching - The Tribe will hand the ball to Carlos Carrasco (4-3, 4.84 ERA) who's been hit hard so far on the year. "I think (Carrasco) pitched better than the line showed," Cleveland manager Terry Francona said after the 28 year old surrendered four runs on 10 hits over 6 2/3 innings in an 8-3 loss to the Cardinals. One must agree as Carrasco had seven strikeouts in that contest, and he's fanned 42 batters over 35 1/3 innings on the season. The Rangers will counter with Nick Martinez (2-0, 1.88 ERA) who's been roughed up in his three most recent starts surrendering a total of 12 runs (eight earned) on 19 hits over 17 innings.
2. Road Warriors - Cleveland has won four of Carrasco's last five road starts and it has won five straight meetings in Texas.
3. X-Factor - Texas relievers have surrendered a league-high 19 home runs this season and its bullpen's 4.82 ERA is one of the worst marks in the major leagues.
Selection: This is a play on the Cleveland Indians (8*)
Here are my keys to the game:
1. Pitching - The Tribe will hand the ball to Carlos Carrasco (4-3, 4.84 ERA) who's been hit hard so far on the year. "I think (Carrasco) pitched better than the line showed," Cleveland manager Terry Francona said after the 28 year old surrendered four runs on 10 hits over 6 2/3 innings in an 8-3 loss to the Cardinals. One must agree as Carrasco had seven strikeouts in that contest, and he's fanned 42 batters over 35 1/3 innings on the season. The Rangers will counter with Nick Martinez (2-0, 1.88 ERA) who's been roughed up in his three most recent starts surrendering a total of 12 runs (eight earned) on 19 hits over 17 innings.
2. Road Warriors - Cleveland has won four of Carrasco's last five road starts and it has won five straight meetings in Texas.
3. X-Factor - Texas relievers have surrendered a league-high 19 home runs this season and its bullpen's 4.82 ERA is one of the worst marks in the major leagues.
Selection: This is a play on the Cleveland Indians (8*)