The Arizona Diamondbacks and Texas Rangers clash Saturday in game 2 of the MLB World Series at Globe Life Field. Let’s preview this game and give out a pick and prediction.
Arizona Diamondbacks Betting Preview
The Arizona Diamondbacks entered the ninth inning of game 1 with a lead, and they now trail in the series. It’s just one game, but it’s going to be interesting to see if the Diamondbacks can get off the canvas after such a heartbreaking result. This is a young, inexperienced Diamondbacks roster, so such a loss could hit hard. The Diamondbacks are still 6-3 on the road this postseason and did beat the Phillies despite trailing that series 0-2, so there are fighters on this squad. Ketel Marte leads the Diamondbacks with 20 hits and 9 RBI, while Corbin Carroll and Lourdes Gurriel have combined for 27 hits and 14 RBI. Merrill Kelly gets the ball, and he was 12-8 with a 3.29 ERA and 187 strikeouts this season. Kelly is 2-1 with a 2.65 ERA and 19 strikeouts in his postseason career.
Arizona Diamondbacks Team Facts
- The Diamondbacks have won six of their last seven games as underdogs against the Rangers following a loss.
- The Diamondbacks have covered the run line in each of their last eight games as underdogs against AL West opponents following a road loss.
- The ‘Inning 1 UNDER 0.5 runs’ market has hit in each of the Diamondbacks’ last six Saturday games against American League opponents.
- The Diamondbacks have led after 7 innings in four of their last five games as road underdogs against AL West opponents.
- The Diamondbacks have led after 5 innings in five of their last seven playoff games as road underdogs.
Texas Rangers Betting Preview
The Texas Rangers should be riding high on confidence after stealing game 1 when they had no business winning. Such a victory could carry over and could result in guys playing loose. The Rangers’ offense continues to produce, and they’ve scored 4 or more runs in 6 of their last 7 games. However, the Rangers are 2-3 at home this postseason and could easily be 1-4, so that’s one thing to remember heading into this spot. Adolis Garcia leads the Rangers with 20 hits and 22 RBI, while Corey Seager and Josh Jung have combined for 31 hits and 16 RBI. Jordan Montgomery gets the ball, and he was 10-11 with a 3.20 ERA and 166 strikeouts this season. Montgomery is 3-0 with a 1.99 ERA and 24 strikeouts in his postseason career.
Texas Rangers Team Facts
- The underdogs have won seven of the Rangers’ last eight games.
- The Rangers have failed to cover the run line in each of their last nine games against National League opponents.
- The Rangers have trailed after 3 innings in three of their last four games as home favorites against National League opponents.
- The Rangers have trailed after 7 innings in each of their last four games as home favorites against National League opponents.
- The Rangers have trailed after 5 innings in three of their last four playoff games as favorites.
Randy’s Pick
I’m not excited to get behind Jordan Montgomery, especially in a decent sized favorite role, but it is what it is at this point. The Arizona Diamondbacks completely blew game 1 and now have their hands full. I don’t want to overreact to one game, but the Rangers are an explosive offensive side that thrives off confidence, and such a result can do wonders for the following games. We saw what happened when the Rangers won game 6 against the Astros. Game 7 wasn’t close. Games against the Rays and Orioles after stealing game 1s on the road. The following games were beat downs. I wouldn’t be surprised if the same thing happens in game 2 here. Give me the Rangers.
