Boston Red Sox (66-50) at Texas Rangers (65-48)

The Rangers come into this show riding on their horse with the third best record in baseball, well the American League. As it is, the Padres and Braves sport better records in the National League. The Yankees and Rays have better records in the American League. So, is fifth in the Majors something to be ashamed about? Nope. I'll take it. Especially when you have starters like Cliff Lee on the staff, not to mention C.J. Wilson, Tommy Hunter, and Colby Lewis.

Tommy Hunter starts this three game set against the Red Sox. Lewis goes against Lester tomorrow, then concludes with Wilson against Matsuzaka. Now, I don't like the Red Sox, but there are worse teams on my radar than the BoSox. I hate me some Yankees and I hate me some Angels, although, with the fall of the halos, I have learned to control my attitude against the lowly Angels.


Basic numbers say the Rangers have this one in the bag, as Beckett has a 6.21 ERA and really hasn't been on target this season. He choked huge in April against Texas, coughing up seven runs in seven innings. His return in late July looked good until he choked again against the Yankees, spitting out seven runs in less than five innings. He has lowered his ERA by a full point since returning.

Tommy Hunter tossed 6.1 innings of shutout baseball to grab his ninth win. He's 9-1 right now with a 3.01 ERA. He pitched against Boston earlier this season, throwing 6.2 innings and gave up two runs on five hits, striking out one. The Rangers are 10-2 when he starts.

Forecast: I said it before and I will say it again, I don't pick against Hunter this year. He's been phenomenal at the very least, but I think the heat and long season are starting to wear him down a little. Just a little, but not enough to think he will do poorly tonight. The real question is 'when is Ian Kinsler coming back?' The offense just hasn't been the same without him. Rangers win this 5-3.