Favored Rangers regain series lead behind Scherzer's arm

When: Monday, Oct 30 at 8:03 PM ET
Who: Texas Rangers at Arizona Diamondbacks
Starting Pitchers: Max Scherzer and Brandon Pfaadt
Where: Chase Field in Phoenix, AZ

With ace Max Scherzer on the mound and a potent lineup ready to explode, the Texas Rangers are set to take control of the World Series against the Arizona Diamondbacks.

Before continuing, please check out our MLB Postseason Betting Guide, which will help you prepare for any MLB props you may be interested in.

Let's set the scene, folks. The World Series is locked at 1-1, with the Texas Rangers and Arizona Diamondbacks dueling it out in a matchup that wasn't even a blip on the preseason radar.

Yet, here we are, and there's a feeling in the air that the Rangers are about to step on the gas.

Game Preview

Money Line
Rangers	-102	-105	-105
Diamondbacks	+100	-105	-105

This vibe isn't just a gut feeling; it's grounded in solid data. According to BetUS, the Rangers opened the series as heavy favorites with -170 odds.

Those odds have fluctuated a bit, currently sitting at -135, but that's not a reason to worry. The fluctuations are a part of the game, a reflection of the ebb and flow of a highly competitive series.

The Rangers' road to this point has been far from easy. They took down the Astros in a grueling seven-game American League Championship Series, showing off their grit and resilience. They're battle-tested, and that experience is invaluable in the pressure cooker of the World Series.

Now, the real game-changer here is Max Scherzer. Scherzer is in a league of his own when you're talking about elite pitching. We're talking about a guy who's a three-time Cy Young Award winner and a seven-time All-Star. When he's on the mound, magic happens.

Max Scherzer's 2Ks in the 2nd. pic.twitter.com/SNIMO2UnxH

— Rob Friedman (@PitchingNinja) October 24, 2023

The Diamondbacks may have surprised everyone this season, but Scherzer is a seasoned veteran. He's been here before and knows how to handle the pressure.

His fastball is electric, his changeup is deceptive, and his slider is downright filthy. He's got the arsenal to keep the Diamondbacks' batters guessing and off-balance all game long.

Texas Rangers To win game

-105

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On the other side of the field, the Diamondbacks have approached the game with an old-school strategy. They don't have as much power, but they have a great lineup that consistently hits for contact and does not strike out.

They also pose a problem when they get on base, as they've been stealing bases every chance. These additional bases add up and put pressure on the pitchers.

This series is going to go back and forth once more, and I would not recommend betting on the Diamondbacks to win this game.

Arizona Diamondbacks To win game

-105

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Total Runs

But it's not just about Scherzer. The Rangers have a lineup that can quickly light up the scoreboard.

They've consistently produced high-scoring games, and there's no reason to believe that will stop now. The Over/Under for total runs scored by both teams combined is 9.

That's a testament to the Rangers' offensive firepower and their ability to engage in slugfests.

Total Runs
Over 9 Runs	-110	-108	-110
Under 9 Runs	-110	-112	-110

So, let's not get caught up in the Diamondbacks' Cinderella story. The Rangers have the pitching, the batting, and the momentum to take the lead in this series.

Merrill Kelly has 9 K's through 7 IP tonight against the Rangers.

He joins Curt Schilling (Gms. 4 & 7 of 2001 World Series) & Randy Johnson (Gm. 2 of 2001 World Series) as the only Diamondbacks pitchers with at least 9 K's in a World Series game. pic.twitter.com/9RoVRuVVE0

— ESPN Stats & Info (@ESPNStatsInfo) October 29, 2023

It will be a barn burner, but when the dust settles, expect the Rangers to be one step closer to lifting that coveted World Series trophy.

So, to all my fellow sports bettors, get ready to ride the wave. The Rangers are heating up, and it's going to be a thrilling ride. Just remember, anything can happen in the game of baseball, especially in the World Series.

It's not about safe bets or guarantees; it's about reading the game, understanding the data, and making informed decisions.

So, get your popcorn ready, folks. This World Series is about to get even more exciting.

I recommend betting on Over 9 runs in this game at -110 odds at BetUS.

Over 9 Runs Texas Rangers vs. Arizona Diamondbacks

-110

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