Dominic Fazzini
Wednesday's play 15 Dime -- Rangers (Hunter) over INDIANS (Carmona)
RANGERS NOTE: List only Hunter as Texas' starting pitcher
Didn't I tell you the Rangers were due for a big letdown Tuesday after taking two of three from the Angels? Well after a one-game hangover, Texas should get back to business today.
Yes, I know the Indians are 12-5 in their last 17 games. I also know that Cleveland starter Fausto Carmona (2-6, 6.66 ERA) has a 2.45 ERA in two outings since being recalled from the minors.
But there's some other numbers that stand out even more to me. First, Carmona has won just once in his last 11 starts, and the right-hander is 0-3 with an 8.59 ERA lifetime in three home outings vs. Texas.
Carmona also is 0-3 with a 5.05 ERA in seven home starts overall this year.
Rangers rookie Tommy Hunter (4-2, 2.63) continues to impress. The 23-year-old right-hander has allowed three runs or fewer in seven of his eight outings. He gave up two runs and three hits in seven innings Thursday at Oakland.
In two road starts, Hunter is 1-0 with a 1.38 ERA, allowing three runs (two earned) and seven hits in 13 innings.
Hunter, who has never faced Cleveland, is especially good when being threatened, as opposing batters are hitting .146 against him with runners in scoring position. Opponents are batting .223 overall against him.
I expect Hunter to turn in another fine outing today while Texas' offense gets busy against Carmona. Take the Rangers in this one.
The Yankees busted loose in the eighth inning Tuesday to give me a third straight victory on my complimentary selections, and my eighth win in my last 11 plays. I know St. Louis is laying a big price today, but it will be well worth the money as this one is going to be a rout!
Cardinals ace Chris Carpenter (11-3, 2.26 ERA) has been sharp in his last seven starts, going 6-0 with a 2.04 ERA. He allowed four runs and nine hits in eight innings Friday at Pittsburgh, which basically was his second-worst start of the season and demonstrates how great he has been this year.
The right-hander has completely dominated the Reds, going 3-0 with a 0.72 ERA in his last three outings against them, including 2-0 with a 1.12 this season.
Homer Bailey (2-3, 7.11), the Reds' first-round draft pick in 2004, continues to struggle on the mound. The 23-year-old right-hander allowed five runs and nine hits in six innings Friday at San Francisco, and has allowed at least five runs in four of his last five outings.
Bailey is 0-2 with a 8.59 ERA in three career starts vs. the Cards, and is 1-1 with a 7.32 ERA in four road starts this year. While Cincinnati beat St. Louis 5-4 on Tuesday, the Cardinals have won 10 of their last 14 games and should have this one in hand by the fourth or fifth inning.
Carpenter is 6-1 with a 1.62 ERA in seven home starts. Those numbers will only improve today. Take St. Louis on the run line.
Dominic Fazzini
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