Sunday Night Baseball is back and this week’s matchup features the Philadelphia Phillies taking on the Texas Rangers. The game will be played at Globe Life Field in Arlington, Texas and is scheduled to start at 8:35 PM ET.
The Phillies are coming off a disappointing 2020 season, finishing with a record of 28-32 and missing the playoffs. However, they made some key offseason acquisitions, including the signing of former NL MVP Andrew McCutchen and the trade for starting pitcher Jose Alvarado. The Phillies will be looking to start the season strong and make a push for the postseason in 2021.
On the other hand, the Rangers finished last season with a record of 22-38 and also missed the playoffs. They made some moves in the offseason, including signing former All-Star outfielder David Dahl and trading for starting pitcher Dane Dunning. The Rangers will be looking to improve on their record from last season and compete in a tough AL West division.
As for the odds, the Phillies are currently listed as -120 favorites to win the game, while the Rangers are listed as +100 underdogs. The over/under for total runs scored in the game is set at 9.
When it comes to picks, it’s always important to do your research and consider factors such as starting pitchers, team statistics, and recent form. In this matchup, the Phillies have an advantage in starting pitching with ace Aaron Nola taking the mound. Nola had a solid 2020 season, posting a 3.28 ERA and striking out 96 batters in 71.1 innings pitched. The Rangers will counter with Kyle Gibson, who struggled last season with a 5.35 ERA.
Offensively, the Phillies have a strong lineup led by McCutchen, Bryce Harper, and Rhys Hoskins. The Rangers will rely on Dahl, Joey Gallo, and Nate Lowe to provide some power at the plate.
Overall, the Phillies seem to have the edge in this matchup and should be able to come away with a win. However, anything can happen in baseball and it’s always important to keep an eye on the game and adjust your picks accordingly. So, sit back, relax, and enjoy Sunday Night Baseball!