Pittsburgh Pirates vs. Texas Rangers 8/20/24 – As the MLB progresses into the latter stages of its season, teams are getting ready for a vital run of games that could make or break their postseason aspirations. The Pittsburgh Pirates, with a record of 58-66, are set to play against Texas Rangers, which have a record of 58-68 on Tuesday. This game, starting at 8:05 PM ET in Globe Life Field, will be an exciting meeting between two teams trying to achieve their best form before the end of the season. Fans who want the best exclusive picks must see this game, as both will be fighting to ascend their respective divisions.
Pittsburgh Pirates vs. Texas Rangers 8/20/24 Game Info |
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| When: | Tuesday, August 20, 2024 at 8:05 PM ET |
| Where: | Globe Life Field |
| TV: | – |
| Stream: | MLB.TV |
Pittsburgh Pirates (58-66) vs. Texas Rangers (58-68)
However, the Pittsburgh Pirates are struggling through this season, having an average of .235 with 511 runs and 980 hits. In addition, the team’s on-base percentage stands at .301 and slugging percentage of .372. It is important to note that the team’s ERA is at 3.98 while its WHIP reads 1.29, meaning it has managed to keep its pitchers relatively intact despite winning only a few games. Evaluating the figures before their match against the Rangers, gamblers will be keen on this game for betting value similar to today’s Arizona Diamondbacks-Miami Marlins MLB game.
Differently, the Texas Rangers have a slightly better offensive potential with a batting average of .239 and have scored 531 runs out of 1011 hits. The slugging percentage for them outdoes that of the Pirates by being at .381, and they have also registered 136 home runs in this campaign so far. On the other hand, however, the pitching staff’s ERA has been higher than the Pirates at 4.33, corresponding with a WHIP totaling 1.29. This numerical configuration means this could be a battle of attrition and thus may appeal to strategies employed in the Seattle Mariners vs. Los Angeles Dodgers game today.
Mitch Keller (10-7, 3.95 ERA) vs. Cody Bradford (4-0, 3.5 ERA)
Mitch Keller comes to the mount having had a good season for the Pirates. He has shown that he can handle pressure by striking out 125 batters while maintaining a 3.95 ERA and 1.25 WHIP over 141.1 innings pitched, with these figures also highlighting his strengths as a pitcher. Thus, notwithstanding allowing 17 home runs, the overall great performance numbers of Keller show his ability to handle pressure, which will be key in dealing with the Rangers lineup.
On their side, though, Cody Bradford is an interesting juxtaposition to this. Though only throwing for 36 innings, Bradford has still managed to hold an impressive ERA (3.5) and outstanding WHIP (1) while only giving up five home runs. As he began the campaign so well, he has been made vital for today’s match against them all over again. The manner in which he remains calm and efficient when facing Pittsburgh’s batters could set the tempo for this game.
MLB Odds/Point Spread: Texas Rangers -1.5 +160, Total Odds: 8
The current betting odds slightly favor the Rangers, reflecting perhaps the home-field advantage and the recent form of Bradford. The total for the game is set at 8, with the trend leaning slightly towards the UNDER, considering both teams’ recent scoring struggles.
Pittsburgh Pirates Betting Trends
The Pirates have not found consistency, with the total going OVER in 4 of their last 5 games, yet they have struggled mightily on the road, as indicated by their 0-8 SU in their last 8 road games. This inconsistency makes betting on their games a tricky proposition.
Texas Rangers Betting Trends
The Rangers have shown a tendency for lower-scoring games with the total going UNDER in 4 of their last 5 games and 6 of their last 8 at home. Their overall record doesn’t inspire confidence, but their performance against National League teams has been relatively stronger.
Pittsburgh Pirates vs. Texas Rangers 8/20/24 Betting Picks
Considering the current form and historical performance at home against the Pirates, Rangers might have a slight edge in this match-up. But their records are so close this season suggesting a potentially tight game.
It may be wiser for those betting to pick on the total rather than the game’s outcome. Bettors who understand that both teams have exhibited inconsistency at bat but some strength in pitching should bet UNDER. Those looking for the best MLB picks should consider prop bets on individual performances, such as strikeouts or hits, to maximize returns from this game.