The Texas Rangers (37-44) and Baltimore Orioles (51-30) play the 2nd contest of a 4-game series Friday. First pitch from Oriole Park at Camden Yards is scheduled for 7:05 p.m. ET. Let’s analyze BetMGM Sportsbook’s lines around the Rangers vs. Orioles odds and make our expert MLB picks and predictions for the best bets.
Season series: Orioles lead 1-0
The Rangers dropped their 4th consecutive game Thursday in the series opener, losing 11-2. Texas has struggled offensively, totaling just 11 runs in the 4-game skid, or just 2.8 runs per game (RPG). The Over has cashed in 3 of the 4 games, however, with the pitching staff allowing 6 or more runs in 3 of those 4 outings.
The Orioles have re-discovered their offense after a 3-Game span with 4 total runs last Saturday to Monday. They have plated 23 runs in the past 3 outings, averaging 7.7 RPG, cashing the Over in 2 of those 3 Games. The Over is 8-4-1 in the previous 13 Games for the O’s.
Rangers at Orioles projected starters
RHP Max Scherzer vs. RHP Albert Suarez
Scherzer (1-0, 0.00 ERA) makes his 2nd start. He has a 0.20 WHIP, 0.0 BB/9 and 7.2 K/9 in 5 innings.
- Last start: Win, 5 IP, 0 ER, 1 H, 0 BB, 4 K in 6-0 home victory vs. Kansas City Royals Sunday
- 2023 road splits: 8-4, 4.31 ERA (85 2/3 IP, 41 ER), 1.17 WHIP, .238 opponents’ batting average (OBA), 21 HR, 22 BB, 95 K in 15 starts
- Career vs. Orioles (regular season): 7-2, 3.17 ERA (96 2/3 IP, 34 ER), 1.02 WHIP, 17 HR, 11.5 K/9 in 14 starts
Suarez (3-2, 2.70 ERA) makes his 10th start and 17th appearance. He has a 1.33 WHIP, 3.7 BB/9 and 7.3 K/9 in 53 1/3 innings.
- Last start: Loss, 5 IP, 5 ER, 10 H (1 HR), 3 BB, 3 K in 8-1 loss at Houston Astros Sunday
- 2024 home splits: 1-0, 1.88 ERA (24 IP, 5 ER), 1.13 WHIP, .228 OBA, 1 HR, 6 BB, 22 K in 4 starts and 3 relief appearances
- Never faced Rangers before
Who’s going yard? Here’s a breakdown of today’s best home run props with our top picks. Include the BetMGM bonus code SBWIRE to score a $1,500 first-bet offer.
Rangers at Orioles odds
Provided by BetMGM Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list. Lines last updated at 5:41 a.m. ET.
- Moneyline (ML): Rangers +110 (bet $100 to win $110) | Orioles -135 (bet $135 to win $100)
- Run line (RL)/Against the spread (ATS): Rangers +1.5 (-185) | Orioles -1.5 (+150)
- Over/Under (O/U): 8.5 (O: -105 | U: -115)
Rangers at Orioles picks and predictions
Prediction
Rangers 3, Orioles 2
Moneyline
The RANGERS (+110) are a solid value as short ‘dogs on the road behind Scherzer as he was untouchable in his debut last time out after recovering from a herniated disc in his lower back.
It isn’t going to be easy as Suarez has had strong numbers at home, and in general. The O’s are 1-3 in his past 4 starts, but he has allowed 3 or fewer runs in 5 of his last 6 outings. It’s a lack of run support, and that isn’t likely to improve against a pitcher the caliber of Scherzer.
Run line/Against the spread
The Rangers +1.5 (-185) will cost nearly 2 times the potential return, which is way too much risk if you’d like a little bit of insurance.
AVOID and just take the Rangers straight up if you like them to win outright.
Over/Under
UNDER 8.5 (-115) is the best play on the board.
Scherzer was nearly untouchable in his season debut Sunday, while Suarez has been producing solid numbers. The Under is 4-1-1 in Suarez’s last 6 starts. Plus, the Under is 5-4-2 in the past 11 outings for the O’s at home.
For the Rangers, the Under is 4-3-1 in the past 8 outings, while going 7-5 in the past 12 games on the road.
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