Texas took advantage of a weak Rays lineup. Now, they take on a healthy Orioles lineup owning one of the best home records in the AL, 49-32. The Rangers Andrew Heaney pitched very well in May on the road at Baltimore, seven innings only allowing one earned run. The Orioles Kyle Bradish owns a 2.23 home ERA and only faced this Texas lineup twice, only allowing one earned run. The Rangers will be playing in a much louder environment, as compared to Tampa Bay.

The Rangers have the better offense, but the Orioles have the better starting pitcher, better bullpen and homefield advantage in Game 1. It will be an electric atmosphere, and I expect Kyle Bradish (2.34 ERA post-All-Star Break) to deliver a strong outing. Look for Baltimore to jump on Dane Dunning and take the opener.

I'll not play a fairly decent ML road dog in baseball unless there's a great reason (Red Sox in Baltimore right after the O's clinched, for example) and there is not one here. Rangers RL is rather pricy. Dane Dunning? Meh. Texas didn't have to deal with another team's home-field advantage against the Rays. It should be bonkers in Baltimore in the team's first home playoff game in nine years. Kyle Bradish had a 2.23 ERA at Camden Yards this year and didn't allow a run overall in his final 16 innings. He allowed one run over 8 1/3 innings in two starts vs. the Rangers. If Texas instead goes with Andrew Heaney or as an opener, I'm still fine. Listed on Bradish.

The park is friendly, the Rangers have to pitch their No. 3 starter, and the Ranger lineup has danger spots throughout. We have to see seven or fewer runs to lose, give me the Over.