3* Interleague SMASH

Texas vs. San Diego, 06/20/2012 18:35 EDT, Score: 4 - 2

Point Spread: -1½/-105 Texas

Sportsbook: 5Dimes

Result: Win

3* Interleague SMASH on Rangers -1.5 -105
We'll take the Rangers on the run line as they have the edge at the plate and on the mound.

While I don't recommend making a habit of playing road run lines, Texas is the exception. Under manager Washington, the Rangers are 22-5 as a road favorite of -150 to -175. They have won these games by an average of 2.3 runs.

It also bodes well for us that Texas enters with momentum. It has produced a perfect 9-0 record this season when checking into a road contest off 5 or 6 wins in their last 7 games. It has won these games by an average of 4.4 runs.

The Rangers are 5-0 in their last 5 games with those wins coming by an average of 4.0 runs per game.

Also, Darvish (8-4, 3.57 ERA) gives Texas the edge against San Diego's Bass (2-6, 5.02 ERA).

The Rangers are batting .281 and scoring 5.1 runs per game on the road while the Padres are hitting .218 and scoring just 3.0 runs per game at home.

Expect Darvish to spin a gem in pitcher-friendly Petco and for the big Texas bats to take care of the rest.