Live #Betting Roundup: #Rangers Head to L.A. to decide AL West’s Best

Live Betting Roundup: Rangers Head to L.A. to decide AL West’s Best
by Bovada Sportsbook Staff | July 20, 2012

Texas has ruled its division, but L.A. could bridge the gap in a series primed for Bovada Live Betting.

When halftime hits in MLB baseball, the standings we largely ignored in MLB betting suddenly become a big part of making and taking odds. Every series between division foes gains a little extra gravitas; this weekend it’s an AL West battle between the Texas Rangers (55-36) and the Los Angeles Angels (50-43) that the Bovada Sportsbook has made its headliner for live betting action.

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With L.A. sitting six games back of the Rangers the series starts Friday at 10:05 p.m. ET with a lopsided duel when looking at the pitching matchup. Rangers starter Derek Holland (6-4, 4.57 ERA) is greatly outmatched by the Angels Jered Weaver (11-1, 2.26 ERA) on paper, but a look closer balances things out. After giving up one run in over 27 through four starts Weaver was pelted versus the New York Yankees for five runs, 10 hits and a no decision in his previous start. Oh, and that one loss on his record? It was against Texas. Weaver gave up a season high eight runs over 3 1/3 innings in a 13-6 beating at the Rangers on May 13. On Weaver’s side is that every Texas hitter outside of shortstop Elvis Andrus (.413 batting average, one home run and four RBI in 46 at-bats versus Weaver) has hit below a .280.

Things are little dicey on Saturday, as neither starter has been impressive of late. The Rangers have Yu Darvish (10-6, 3.96 ERA) who in his last two outings is 0-2 with a 6.75 ERA. This includes seven runs allowed to the AL West’s worst squad the Seattle Mariners. For Texas its Ervin Santana (4-9, 5.60 ERA). The only positive the once promising right-hander can take into this matchup is that outfielder Josh Hamilton (.300 BA, 28 home runs, 78 RBI) has struggled against his stuff. In 31 at-bats versus Santana Hamilton hit just .194; he may be one to avoid on live betting Saturday.

Thus far only one pitcher is “probable” in Sunday’s bout. Rangers lefty Matt Harrison (12-4, 2.87 ERA) gets the nod for the primetime broadcast on ESPN Sunday Night Baseball. Harrison is 1-1 with a 4.97 ERA in two starts against L.A. this year.

Though both squads boast plenty of power on offense, be wary of betting the farm on offense during live betting. Versus the total the Angels and Rangers have an O/U of 39-49-3 and 39-51-3 respectively this season.

Other Bovada Live Bets This Weekend

Sunday is not only about Angels and Rangers live bets, three other matchups have been scheduled: New York Yankees at the Oakland Athletics, Colorado Rockies at the San Diego Padres and Los Angeles Dodgers at the New York Mets.

The matchup between the Dodgers and New York Mets is a battle between two clubs pushing to regain momentum. To date both have lost seven of their last 10. The Mets have the edge in the pitching department. New York starter Jon Niese (7-4, 3.58 ERA) is coming off a solid start despite a no decision, striking out eight, allowing three hits and one home run. Nathan Eovaldi (1-6, 4.33 ERA) starts for L.A., and is looking for his second win on the season.

Ready for a wild weekend? Bet MLB parlays at Bovada.