MLB wagering interest swings to the Tampa Bay vs Texas battle on Thursday at Tropicana Field as the Rays try to defend home turf and reward moneyline bettors.

The Rays will turn to Matt Moore and his 15-3 record as they look for a win in this one, while the Rangers send Yu Darvish (12-9) to the hill.



View Texas vs Tampa Bay Odds and Stats.

Betting Line:
Those going with the Rays in this one found them listed as moneyline favorites of -114 at $TOPBET-LINK$ for Monday's contest. The total was hovering near 6.5 at $JUSTBET-LINK$.

Power Rankings:
According to new MLB Power Rankings here, it's the American League No. 7-ranked Rays and the American League No. 2-rated Rangers in this matchup.

$MLBODDS$

How They Match Up:
Rating these teams in several key categories is important for handicappers and Tampa Bay has the American League's No. 9-rated offensive output, at 8.7 hits per game. The Rangers average 9 hits per game, good for No. 6 on the American League list.

Comparing defensive stats, Texas owns the American League's No. 6-rated road mark, allowing 4.1 runs per game on the highway. Tampa Bay, on the other hand, rates No. 9 in scoring at home.

Last time out for Texas, they were a 4-3 loser as they battled the Rays on the road. Moneyline bettors who got the Rays at -123 were rewarded, while the 7 combined runs moved the game UNDER for totals bettors. Texas lost in extra innings against the Rays on Wednesday as Tampa Bay edged them 4-3 at Tropicana Field.




Texas Rangers Trends:
When playing on Thursday are 8-2
Before playing Kansas City are 8-2
After playing Tampa Bay are 6-4
After a loss are 2-8

Tampa Bay Rays Trends:
When playing on Thursday are 10-0
Before playing Baltimore are 8-2
After playing Texas are 4-6
After a win are 4-6

A few Rangers at Rays trends to consider:
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Texas' last 7 games on the road
Texas is 15-8 SU in its last 23 games on the road
Texas is 2-4 SU in its last 6 games when playing on the road against Tampa Bay
Texas is 2-5 SU in its last 7 games on the road
Tampa Bay is 5-2 SU in its last 7 games
Tampa Bay is 4-2 SU in its last 6 games when playing at home against Texas


Next up:
Texas at Kansas City, Friday, September 20
Tampa Bay home to Baltimore, Friday, September 20