Phillies vs. Rangers MLB Predictions: Will Texas win ninth straight? 5/18/17
Will the Rangers win their ninth consecutive game when they host the Phillies on Thursday afternoon at 2:05PM ET?
The Odds
The Rangers are -154 money line favorites to beat the Phillies according to oddsmakers. Philadelphia, meanwhile, has +144 odds to pull off the upset. With Nick Pivetta set to face Martin Perez in the pitching matchup, the over/under currently sits at 10.5 runs.
Phillies struggling heading into Thursday’s action
Philadelphia has dropped 14 of its last 17 games overall. The club is also 0-4 in its last four interleague games and 0-5 specifically against American League West opponents. The Phillies have dropped 12 of its last 15 interleague road games versus a left-handed starter as well.
Rangers can’t find success with Perez
Texas has lost five of Perez’s last six starts overall. They’re also 1-6 in his last seven outings when he faces an opponent that owns a losing record. They’re 0-4 in his last four starts after scoring five runs or more in their previous game as well.
MLB Predictions
Despite the Rangers’ lack of success when Perez pitches, they’re red-hot right now and worth a flier today. Texas is a perfect 8-0 in its last eight games and 7-0 in its last seven games in Arlington. The Rangers have also won seven straight versus a right-handed starter. In their last 28 interleague games, the Rangers are 20-8.
On the other side, the Phillies are just 17-35 in their last 52 road games. They’ve lost 20 of 28 games following a loss and are 14-38 in their last 52 interleague road games as well. In their last 87 games versus an opponent with a winning record, the Phillies are just 28-59.
The Rangers are a tad expensive today, but given what direction both teams are currently headed in, Texas is worth a roll of the dice.
Thursday MLB Prediction: Texas Rangers -154
