The New York Yankees have been struggling of late. New York has lost two in a row. It is hard to believe the Bronx Bombers are in fourth place in the AL East. At the moment, the Yankees are nine games back of the Rays for first place in the division. However, the Yankees are still alive in the wild card race.
A.J. Alexy will start for the Rangers tonight. Nestor Cortes Jr. will take the hill for the Yanks. Cortes’ numbers are fantastic: 2.60 ERA and a 1.05 WHIP along with 87 strikeouts in 79 innings pitched. Alexy has also been solid, going 2-0 with a 3.68 ERA and a lovely 1.02 WHIP. Alexy is averaging one strikeout per inning, albeit with a limited sample size.
The Moneyline
The Yankees are massive -269 favorites tonight as this a must-win game for the squad. Even if you were to take the runline, the Yankees would be -143. The Bombers are -269 moneyline favorites.
Tonight’s game will be played in New York. The Yankees are 42-33 at home. Though the Rangers are in last place in the AL West, their record isn’t abysmal. The Rangers are 63-69.
The Rangers are 4-6 in their last 10, allowing 7.08 earned runs on average per nine innings in that stretch. The Rangers have been outscored by 37 runs in this period of time.
Alexy allowed six earned runs in his last outing after surrendering none in his two previous starts. The Yankees should come away with the victory. If you don’t mind playing a heavy favorite’s moneyline, taking the Yankees to win tonight’s game is worth your consideration.
The Over/Under
The Rangers’ lineup has not seen Cortes’ stuff yet this season. Cortes has not allowed more than three earned runs dating back to August 10. As a result, the Rangers probably won’t put up a crooked number against New York tonight. Though Alexy imploded in his last outing, he was solid prior to that. The Yankees have not seen Alexy this season so they might be a bit miffed with his arsenal of pitches.
This game will likely end up going under the over/under total of 8.5 runs. However, there is always the potential for one or both bullpens to ruin what was otherwise a strong outing so don’t go too heavy on the under.