On Sunday, the Texas Rangers (60-69, 3rd in AL West) will finish their three-game series against the Cleveland Guardians (73-55, 1st in AL Central). The first game took place on Friday, with the Rangers clinching a 5-3 victory. The second game occurred on Saturday (Note: This article was published prior to the results of Saturday’s matchup). The teams are currently tied 2-2 in their season series. On Sunday, Cody Bradford (3.56 ERA) will pitch for Texas, while Cleveland will send Matthew Boyd (3.38 ERA) to the mound. The game is set to start at 1:40 PM EST from Progressive Field in Cleveland.
Rangers on a Winning Streak
The Texas Rangers have shown strong performance lately, winning four out of their last five games. They recently defeated the Minnesota Twins, took two out of three from the Pittsburgh Pirates, and won the series opener against the Guardians. Despite their recent success, they remain 11.5 games behind the final Wild Card spot in the American League. In their victory over Cleveland, Corey Seager contributed significantly, driving in two runs.
Nathan Eovaldi pitched effectively, limiting the Guardians to three runs over six innings. Following the game, he emphasized the team’s focus: “We haven’t really been playing comfortable all season. Regardless of where we are in the standings, it’s about going out there and winning. We know what we’re capable of; we’ve just got to execute.” Seager’s two-run double in the second inning was crucial for establishing an early lead. He leads the Rangers with 28 home runs and 70 RBIs, alongside a team-high batting average of .273. Adolis Garcia, batting cleanup, has also been a key player, contributing 21 home runs and 63 RBIs this season, including an RBI double in Friday’s win.
Cody Bradford, a 26-year-old left-hander, will make his eighth start of the season. He holds a 4-1 record, but the Rangers lost both of his last two outings. His ERA stands at 3.56, with an impressive 41 strikeouts against just six walks, despite allowing five home runs. In his previous start against the Pirates, he pitched seven innings but gave up three earned runs in a loss.
Guardians Struggling to Maintain Lead
For months, the Guardians have held a strong position in the AL Central, but their recent struggles have put that lead in jeopardy. Cleveland has dropped six of their last seven games and now finds themselves just one game ahead of the Kansas City Royals in the division. Facing tough competition, they were swept by the Milwaukee Brewers and lost two of three to the New York Yankees. In the loss to Texas, their key hitters, including Jose Ramirez, Steven Kwan, and Josh Naylor, were unable to contribute offensively.
Ramirez has been a standout player for the Guardians this season, leading the team with 32 home runs and 101 RBIs while maintaining a .271 batting average. However, he is currently in a minor slump, with only one hit in his last six games. On Friday, he played as the designated hitter, batting third. Steven Kwan, the leadoff hitter, boasts the highest batting average on the team at .306, with 13 home runs and 36 RBIs. Naylor, another powerful slugger, has contributed 27 home runs and 89 RBIs from the cleanup position.
Matthew Boyd will make only his third start of the season for Cleveland. The 33-year-old left-hander has led the team to victories in both of his previous outings, pitching 5.1 innings in each game, allowing one earned run against the Chicago Cubs and three against the Yankees. He has recorded eight strikeouts and four walks during this limited action but surrendered two home runs in the matchup against New York.
Analyzing Betting Trends for Rangers vs. Guardians
Throughout the season, the Guardians have been the stronger team overall. However, their recent performance suggests a shift in momentum. The Rangers have achieved victory in four of their last five games and are currently injury-free, showcasing strong performances from key players like Seager and Garcia. In contrast, the Guardians have struggled, losing six of their last seven games, with Ramirez’s recent slump being a significant concern. With the season series tied at 2-2, the Rangers have no disadvantage heading into this game. Boyd’s limited experience this season could lead to challenges against a revitalized Texas lineup, suggesting that the Rangers may secure a win on Sunday.
