MLB

Tampa Bay Rays at Texas Rangers

Friday 30th September, 10.07pm

ESPN America

Starting Pitchers

Tampa Bay: Moore (1-0, 1.29 ERA)

Texas: Wilson (16-7, 2.94 ERA)

I distrust systems, but I will consider certain principles that might indicate a bet, and one I like is talented rookie lefties going up against a lineup for the first time.

Tampa are rolling; they’ve just pulled off one of the most astonishing Septembers to catapult themselves into the post-season.

Texas are strong and are third favourites to go all the way (I suspect that price is out of whack by the way, and they’re value at 8/1) and opposing them at Arlington is a risky proposition; it’s not as if they lack their own momentum, they’ve won their last 6 and are 9-1 L10 - although that run was against Oakland, Seattle and an eliminated LA Angels.

However, I think enough of the adrenalin should still be coursing through Rays’ veins and the fairytale will extend for one more game – although Texas will win the series. I’ll take the Overs too, in a game that may well yield runs at a sunny Arlington with eager offenses going at it.

Pick: Rays @ 2.67; 167; 167/100

Pick: Over 8.5 @ 2.00; 100; Evens