The Texas Rangers have veteran righty Max Scherzer heading to the bump in hopes of snapping a four-game losing streak,
It was a tough night for Texas in the series opener against the Baltimore Orioles on Thursday, with the O’s winning 11-2 and teeing off for four round trippers. In contrast, and my Rangers vs. Orioles prediction is backing Mad Max to pull his weight tonight.
Here are our top MLB picks for Game 2 of their series on Friday, June 28.
Rangers vs Orioles prediction
My best bet
Max Scherzer Over 4.5 strikeouts (+105 at BetMGM)
Best odds available in your region
I think we’re landing a fair number for Texas Rangers righty Max Scherzer in the strikeout market because he also closed with a 4.5 total in his season debut. The veteran fanned four Kansas City Royals while spinning five scoreless innings and allowing a single hit across threw 55 pitches.
Look for Scherzer to pitch deeper into Friday’s game against the Baltimore Orioles, which of course, sets him up to face more hitters and pave the way to clearing this 4.5 strikeout total. Additionally, I also value the market moving toward the Over, in addition to Scherzer’s velocity and pitching arsenal passing the eye and statistical tests in his season debut last Sunday.
The Orioles aren’t a strikeout-happy team (20.3K% against righties), but Scherzer also regularly traded with a strikeout total in the 7.5 range when healthy last season, topping this 4.5 number in 20 of 27 starts.
Finally, I also value that this Baltimore lineup only has a handful of hitters who’ve faced Scherzer in the past, and star catcher Adley Rutschman (hand) is likely going to miss Friday’s game after taking a foul ball off his right hand Thursday.
Rangers vs Orioles same-game parlay (SGP)
Rangers first-five innings moneyline
Max Scherzer Over 4.5 strikeouts
It had been a seamless return to the rotation for Orioles starter Albert Suarez until he served up five runs on 10 hits and three walks last time out against the Houston Astros. The 34-year-old righty limited opponents to just six runs across 23 innings through his previous five starts, despite walking 5.09 batters per nine innings and posting a confidence-shattering 4.96 xFIP and 5.8 K-BB%.
I’m anticipating the statistical correction to continue catching up to Suarez, while Scherzer has another strong outing, with the bulk of the Orioles seeing him for the first time Friday.
Learn how to bet a same-game parlay with these helpful tips and strategies.
Rangers vs Orioles odds
Rangers vs Orioles live odds
Rangers vs Orioles opening odds
- Run line: Texas +1.5 (-182) | Baltimore -1.5 (+163)
- Moneyline: Texas +118 | Baltimore -128
- Over/Under: Over 8 (-107) | Under 8 (-105)
Rangers vs Orioles spread and Over/Under analysis
- There hasn’t been meaningful movement to the moneyline in this game, with both Pinnacle and bet365 never drifting far from their respective opening lines of Baltimore -128 and -135.
- The total has been far more interesting, with Pinnacle opening at 8.0 and testing 8.5 before returning to 8.0 (-110/-102) as of Friday morning.
- There isn’t a consensus number, either, and bet365 is at 8.5 with the Under carrying the higher vig (+100/-120).
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Rangers vs Orioles trend
Scherzer recorded five or more strikeouts in 20 of 27 starts last season with 10.26 strikeouts per nine innings . Find more MLB betting trends for Rangers vs. Orioles
Rangers vs Orioles game info
| Location: | Camden Yards, Baltimore, MD |
| Date: | Friday, 6-28-2024 |
| First pitch: | 7:05 p.m. ET |
| TV: | BSSW, MASN |
| Rangers starting pitcher: | Max Scherzer (1-0, 0.00 ERA) |
| Orioles starting pitcher: | Albert Suarez (3-2, 2.70 ERA) |
Rangers vs Orioles latest injuries
Rangers vs Orioles weather
Not intended for use in MA.
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