Here's everything you need to know about the latest Diamondbacks vs Rangers odds with an expert pick and prediction for this World Series Game 2 clash.
The Rangers won Game 1 in thrilling fashion, getting a game-tying home run from Corey Seager in the bottom of the ninth and then a walk-off home run by Adolis Garcia in extra innings. They'll look to gain a commanding 2-0 series lead tonight, while the Diamondbacks will look to even up the series before it shifts back to Arizona.
Let's preview the game and make our Diamondbacks vs Rangers prediction.
Diamondbacks vs. Rangers Game 2 Odds
| Diamondbacks Odds | ||
|---|---|---|
| Moneyline | Total | Run Line |
+140 | 8.5 -120 / +100 | +1.5 -140 |
| Rangers Odds | ||
|---|---|---|
| Moneyline | Total | Run Line |
-170 | 8.5 -120 / +100 | -1.5 +115 |
Jordan Montgomery will take the hill for the Texas Rangers against Merrill Kelly and the Arizona Diamondbacks in Game 2 of the World Series. The Diamondbacks are underdogs in this series, but have impressed in the postseason and have a better bullpen than the Rangers. Montgomery has been fantastic in the playoffs and has allowed only six earned runs over five appearances, but the Rangers' relievers have been questionable. With that being the case, the D'backs' over should be in play.
Arizona Diamondbacks
Kelly has been good, but the Rangers' lineup has been a bit more consistent than Philadelphia's. Kelly held a 3.29 ERA against a 4.13 xERA this regular season with an 89.6 mph Average Exit Velocity and a 7.8% Barrel Rate. He also held a 41.8% Hard-Hit Rate. In the playoffs, he has allowed five earned over 17 innings and has walked eight batters while striking out 19. That's certainly something to keep an eye on as he faces a patient Rangers' lineup.
The D'backs lineup had a 99 wRC+ in the playoffs going into the World Series. They have five batters with a wRC+ over 100 and four with a walk rate over 10%. Yes, Montgomery has been solid, but Arizona can hit, especially at the top of the order.
Ketel Marte's third hit of the game is a game winner in Arizona!#EmbraceTheChaospic.twitter.com/vPB0asbU4u
— FOX Sports: MLB (@MLBONFOX) October 20, 2023
Arizona's relievers have been phenomenal in the postseason and Kevin Ginkel, Ryan Thompson and Paul Sewald should continue to have success in close games.
Texas Rangers
Montgomery has allowed six earned over 25 innings this postseason. However, in the regular season, his metrics was similar to Kelly's. Montgomery held a 3.20 ERA against a 4.04 xERA with a 7.5% Barrel Rate and a 37.9% Hard-Hit Rate. Montgomery doesn't issue many walks (6.2%), but strike outs less than 22% of hitters. This isn't exactly an overwhelming matchup for the Diamondbacks.
Texas’ lineup has been stellar, especially with the resurgence of Jonah Heim. The Rangers have six batters with a wRC+ over 100 in the playoffs and four with a walk rate over 10%. Kelly will have his hands full, but the Rangers' over/under is a bit inflated given the strength of Arizona's bullpen.
Conversely, Texas’ bullpen should keep the D'backs’ over/under in play. Texas has six relievers with a walk rate over 10% and their close, José Leclerc, has a 13.7% walk rate and a 5.30 xFIP this postseason. Josh Sborz is probably Texas’ second option in relief, and he has a 12.9% walk rate with a 4.55 xFIP. Additionally, Aroldis Chapman has a 6.19 xFIP and a 14.8% walk rate in the playoffs.
Diamondbacks vs. Rangers
Betting Pick & Prediction
As long as the D'backs can limit the number of innings Montgomery throws, they'll score some runs in this game, especially with their strengths atop the order. Arizona should hit its team total over against Texas' relievers, if not sooner. Bet the Diamondbacks to go over their team total.
