Rangers (Dunning,5-9, 4.34) vs Orioles (Means, 6-7, 3.25)

The Rangers have taken 2 in a row against Baltimore, which hasn’t happened for a good long time. Both teams have struggled mightily. The Rangers are 23-56 on the road, and 25-34 vs lefties. The Orioles are an appalling 24-52 at home and 27-63 vs the right. Are there any bright spots? The Rangers pen has been effective in their last seven games. The Orioles are 20th in batting, which doesn’t sound positive except that the Rangers are dead last.

Dane Dunning is starting for only the second time in September. He is very poor on the road and has gone less than 3 innings in his last starts, whether by design or futility. The difference-maker in this game is likely John Means. He has been very sharp in September, giving up just 6 runs in 24 innings in his last four starts. He has also pitched for length, a necessity with the Orioles’ bullpen.

I like the Orioles here. Means should take care of the bulk of the innings and the Rangers’ offense is very weak. Take the Orioles to win outright.