Editor’s note: All betting lines are from Bet365 and are current as of publication. Money Line: Blue Jays -240 | Rangers +200 Run Line: Blue Jays -1.5 (-120) | Rangers +1.5 (+100) Total: 9.5 – Above (-120) 9.5 – Under (+100) Toronto: The Blue Jays did what they did very recently, beating the Rangers in Toronto. Jay improved to 8-1 in their last nine meetings with Texas at the Rogers Center thanks to yesterday’s 4-3 victory. The Blue Jays were money in the bank last season with their brooms out. Toronto was consistent 9-4 with a +31 streak difference in 2021 in games with the opportunity to sweep a series. Oh, it gets better! The Blue Jays have a score of 10-2 in their last 12 in the third game of a series. Texas: The Rangers took a seven-point lead in the first game and a 3-2 advantage yesterday to drop to 0-2 this season. If you’re thinking of supporting Texas underdogs, maybe think twice? The Rangers have scored a brutal 35-73 in their last 108 games as an underdog. Need a more recent sample size? Texas is 6-14 in the last 20 overall and 0-6 and their last six meetings with the Blue Jays. Okay, maybe a positive note? The Rangers are 5-2 in their last seven Sunday games, at least that’s something! My choice: If you believe in momentum, I can not understand why you would return to the Rangers today. The Blue Jays achieved 18 hits and 14 runs in the first two games of this three-game series. They also have the killer instinct lately when they have the opportunity to scan a series. If Hyun Jin Ryu gives the Jays a decent start, I think the attack will continue to provoke and continue the Texas misery at the Rogers Center. I will take the Blue Jays to wipe and put my money on them to cover the 1.5 line at -120. Total: The Blue Jays and Rangers averaged 18 consecutive games in Friday’s first game, but only managed seven games in yesterday’s game to stay below the final total of 9.5 series. The over, however, has been the side lately when these two teams clash. The over is 13-7-2 in the last 22 meetings and 6-3-2 in the last 11 meetings at the Rogers Center. The over is also an impressive 20-9 in Toronto’s last 29 games against the American League West. Pitching matchup: LHP Hyun Jin Ryu (14-10, 4.37 ERA) accepts the call for the Blue Jays while RHP Spencer Howard (0-5, 7.43 ERA) will start for Texas. Ryu has a 1-1 record with 1.29 ERA and 11 hits in two appearances against the Rangers in his career. Howard, meanwhile, has allowed a five-hit run with two walks and five hits in 3.2 innings against the Blue Jays in his career. Player Garbage: Total player bases Vladimir Guerrero Jr. (1.5 – Over +100 | 1.5 – Below -140) Watch Vladimir Guerrero Jr. continue to rake. Vladdy is 4-for-8 at the beginning of the 2022 season with four singles. Guerrero Jr. has two appearances in his career against Spencer Howard and has thrown 0,500 / .500 / .500 against the Rangers. Marcus Semien (1.5 – Over +110 | 1.5 – Under -150) Marcus Semien is just 1-for-8 with a ride in his first two games against Texas. Semien scored 0-3 in three career appearances against Hyun-Jin Ryu. Choice: Marcus Semien was fantastic as Toronto Blue Jay last season, but we do not love him at this point. Semien is starting slowly in 2022 and has had zero success against Hyun-Jin Ryu in his career. Thanks for the memories, Marcus, but we put you below 1.5 total bases here at -150. Author’s note: Problems with gambling are not just about losing money. They appear in a sequel and can affect a person’s entire life. To learn more about developing a healthy gambling relationship and finding resources for support, click here.
