TOM STRYKER’S FREE BASEBALL SELECTION FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 8TH
#972 TEXAS RUN-LINE with Montgomery (-1′ -110) over Oakland with Blackburn at 8:05 PM EST
After getting absolutely embarrassed by the Astros in a three-game set at home (lost by the combined score of 39-10), the Rangers will respond with a beating of their own when the Athletics visit on Friday evening. Texas rests a half-game back in its hunt for an AL Wild Card spot (3.0-games behind in the division race) and manager Bruch Bochy knows his troops can’t fall to the worst team in the American League.
Hitting the hill for “The Lone Stars” will be lefty Jordan Montgomery. Facing the Twins (twice) and Diamondbacks in his last three starts, No. 52 was slapped for nine earned runs and 15 hits in 17.0 innings. Jordan fanned 10, issued five free passes, and failed to earn a decision on his way to a 4.76 ERA. Even better, with 14 starts logged in his own backyard, Montgomery was nicked for 34 earned runs and 84 hits in 80.0 frames. That’s good enough for a 6-4 record with a 3.83 ERA.
Righty Paul Blackburn will pick up the pill for the guests. Battling the Halos, Pale Hose, and Royals in his last three starts, No. 58 was zapped for five earned runs and 16 hits in 17.0 innings of work. Paul struck out 16 and walked six on his way to a 1-1 tally with a 2.65 ERA. Thankfully, Blackburn has been at his statistical worst on the road this season (eight appearances and seven starts) surrendering 19 earned runs and 54 hits in 41.2 frames. That adds up to a 2-2 record with a 4.10 ERA.
Technically speaking, Texas has played well at home this year winning 43 of its last 72 battles and tasted victory in 39 of its last 60 when matched up against a losing team. On the other side of the yard, Oakland has fallen in 50 of its last 69 as a guest, 71 of its last 93 against a winning squad, and 30 of its last 40 against AL West foes.
With four road games against the Blue Jays and three more against the Guardians on deck, the Rangers know they need to sweep the A’s to stay in the hunt for playoff baseball. Take Texas on the run-line with Montgomery. Thanks and best of luck, Tom.
TOM’S 41-16 ATS NCAA POWER SYSTEM WAGER
Heading into Thursday Best Bet on Kansas City, Stryker owned a 15-4 ATS mark on posted football plays and he’s back on Friday evening with one college investment that will deliver the cash. A strong 41-16 ATS technical situation supports this release along with one nearly perfect 12-1 ATS trend. Grab Tom’s NCAA Power System Wager for $30.