The Texas Rangers (14-9) will have their work cut out for them against Graham Ashcraft at Great American Ball Park on Wednesday when the impressive right-hander takes the mound for the Cincinnati Reds (9-15) with the home team looking to sweep the three-game Interleague series. The Reds lead the series 2-0 after winning 7-6 on Tuesday.
Reiver Sanmartin threw one scoreless inning of relief to get the win, and Alexis Diaz earned his third save with a scoreless ninth. Nick Senzel went 3 for 4 with one run and two RBIs in the win.
Jake Fraley added a double, one run, and two RBIs. Nathaniel Lowe was 2 for 5 with a home run and a double for the Rangers. He scored two runs.
ON THE MOUND
Jon Gray (1-1, 3.72 ERA) is in line to get the start for Texas. The right-hander allowed four runs (three earned) over 5.1 innings in his last start, a 5-4 road defeat against the Athletics on Friday. He scattered six hits while striking out two and walking five in the no-decision.
Righty Ashcraft (2-0, 1.88 ERA) is on the mound for Cincinnati. It’s his first appearance of the season against the Rangers. In his last start on Friday, Ashcraft took a no-decision on the road against the Pirates. He threw five innings and gave up two runs on three hits, striking out four and walking three in the 4-2 defeat.
AT THE PLATE
Over the last five games, Texas has averaged 7.8 runs a game, up from their season average of 6.6, while performing better across the board (.309/.379/.554). Against righties like Ashcraft this season, the Rangers have ann .806 OPS, fourth highest in MLB.
Corey Seager has the team’s best on-base percentage against right-handers at .486 over 67 at-bats. Cincinnati is averaging only 3.4 runs per game in the last five, down slightly from 4.3 for the season. The Reds have a .662 OPS against right-handers in 2023. With a .836 OPS over 63 at-bats, Jonathan India has been their best hitter against right-handers.
HOME AND AWAY
Texas is 6-5 away from Globe Life Field in 2023, scoring 6.2 runs per game while allowing 4.0 runs. Cincinnati has gone 8-6 at home this season, averaging 5.1 runs per game while surrendering 5.8. The teams have split their last 10 games at Great American Ball Park, though Cincinnati has the scoring advantage with an average final margin of 5.5-5.4.
STANDINGS UPDATE
The Rangers lead the AL West by one games over the Astros. The Reds are fourth in the NL Central, seven games behind the Pirates.
SportsTips’ MLB Pick:
Texas Rangers (-115)
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*Odds correct at time of publication, courtesy of BetMGM.
