Marcus Semien will be looking to extend his 17-game on-base streak as the Texas Rangers (27-17) host the Colorado Rockies (19-26) at Globe Life Field on Saturday.
The Rangers took Friday’s series opener 7-2. Starter Martin Perez went seven innings to get the win, giving up two runs on seven hits and striking out seven.
Josh Jung went 2 for 3 with a double, one run, and two RBIs in the win. Adolis Garcia added a home run, two runs, and two RBIs. Elias Diaz was 2 for 4 with a double, one run, and one RBI for the Rockies.
ON THE MOUND
Kyle Freeland (4-4, 3.16 ERA) is in line for the start for Colorado. The lefty threw six scoreless innings in his last start, a 4-0 road win over the Phillies on Sunday. He got the win, yielding four hits while striking out eight and walking one.
Righty Jon Gray (3-1, 3.15 ERA) is on the mound for Texas. It’s his first appearance of the season against the Rockies. In his last start on May 13, Gray got the win on the road against the Athletics. He threw eight scoreless innings and gave up three hits, striking out five and walking two in the 5-0 victory.
AT THE PLATE
Over the last five games, Colorado has averaged 5.4 runs a game, a small gain compared to their season average of 4.4. Against righties like Gray this season, the Rockies have a .726 OPS. Diaz is the team’s most potent producer against right-handers with a .942 OPS in 97 at-bats.
Texas is averaging only 6.0 runs per game in the last five, down slightly from 6.2 for the season. The Rangers have ann .803 OPS against southpaws in 2023, fourth highest in the league. With a 1.109 OPS over 33 at-bats, Jonah Heim has been their best hitter against left-handers.
HOME AND AWAY
Colorado is 9-14 on the road in 2023, scoring 3.8 runs per game while allowing 4.0 runs. Texas has gone 14-8 at their home park this season, averaging 6.3 runs per game while surrendering 4.4. In nine games between the teams at Globe Life Field, Colorado is 5-4 with an average scoreline of 3.9-3.3.
STANDINGS UPDATE
The Rangers lead the AL West by two games over the Astros. The Rockies are fifth in the NL West, nine games behind the Dodgers.
SportsTips’ MLB Pick:
Texas Rangers (-190)
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*Odds correct at time of publication, courtesy of BetMGM.
