Minnesota Twins (27-41) vs. Texas Rangers (25-43)
June 19, 2021 4:05 pm EDT
The Line: Texas Rangers -129 / Minnesota Twins +118 ; Over/Under: 9
(Get latest betting odds)
The Minnesota Twins and the Texas Rangers meet Saturday in MLB action from Globe Life Field. This will be the second installment in a three-game series over the weekend between these teams. In the opener Friday, the Twins posted a two-run victory in extras. Check back all season long for free MLB picks at Sports Chat Place.
Minnesota played the Mariners this week, losing the first two before finally getting a 7-2 win on Wednesday. In the Friday opener versus Texas, the Twins put up three runs in the top of the tenth inning and held on for a 7-5 victory. Jose Berrios lasted 6.0 innings with three earned on six hits.
For the starter job in the Saturday game, the Twins will send out Randy Dobnak. This year Dobnak has 38.2 innings with 56 hits, 37 runs (36 earned), 10 homers allowed, 11 walks, 24 Ks and an 8.38 ERA overall.
Over on the Rangers’ side, they played a pair versus the Astros this week, losing both 6-3 and 8-4. In the Friday game, Texas gave up three runs in the first inning and couldn’t bridge the gap. Mike Foltynewicz managed 5.0 innings with four earned on six hits.
For the starter job on Saturday, the Rangers are going with Kolby Allard. Across 34.0 innings of work this year, Allard has 29 hits, 11 earned runs, four homers allowed, nine walks, 37 Ks and a 2.91 ERA.
The Twins are 35-17 in their last 52 Saturday games and 2-6 in their last eight versus a lefty starter. Minnesota is 1-4 in their last five in game two of a series and the over is 6-1-1 in their last eight Saturday games.
Meanwhile, the Rangers are 34-71 in their last 105 games on grass and 3-8 in their last 11 in game two of a series. Texas is 7-25 in their last 32 overall and the over is 5-2 in the last seven Saturday games.
PICK: I’m going to take a shot on the Rangers. Allard has been one of the bright spots on the Texas roster lately. He’s got four earned over his last 14.0 innings on 10 hits with just three walks in that span. His last time up, Allard posted five shutout innings against the Dodgers. If he can keep it up, I think Texas will be in a reasonably good spot for a win here.
