Ricky Dimon
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We have 16 games on the Major League Baseball schedule on Saturday—one more than usual because the Astros and Tigers are playing a double-header. The slate includes a duo of regionally televised contests on FOX plus this showdown between the Royals and Rangers on FS1. All three of those contests are getting the same game parlay treatment they deserve. Let’s take a look at the best such option for Royals-Rangers, and be sure to check out our full game preview for picks on the side and total.
Rangers ML (-152)
Joey Gallo to record 2+ hits (+420)
Kyle Gibson Under 5.5 strikeouts (-152)
Part of the value in same game parlays, of course, is that all of its components can be correlated if you so choose. That is some of the plan here, as Joey Gallo getting at least two hits would obviously go well with a Texas win. At the same time, plays that aren’t correlated drive up the overall payout of the parlay. That is the case with betting the under on Kyle Gibson’s strikeout quota. But even if Gibson isn’t mowing down opposing batters left and right, the Rangers can still take care of business. Let’s break down each of the three legs one by one.
Rangers ML (-152)
Gibson is having a breakout season in his ninth year in the majors. The righty has posted a 2.17 ERA in 83.0 innings on the mound and has been the undisputed ace of the Rangers pitching staff. Gibson spent his first seven years in the majors with the Twins and endured injuries, illnesses, and a lot of bad luck before finding a new home in Texas. Perhaps the change of scenery has helped him become one of the most consistent pitchers in baseball. He has pitched into the sixth inning or later in his last 13 starts while allowing two earned runs or less in 12 of those starts. The veteran is also holding opponents to a .197 batting average at home. Kansas City, on the other hand, is going with a bullpen day to be opened by Kyle Zimmer. The Rangers should have the edge in both pitching and hitting on Saturday.
Joey Gallo to record 2+ hits (+420)
Gallo is hitting only .213 in 2021, but he has hit safely in eight of his last 12 games. That includes three multi-hit performances, so it isn’t farfetched at all to bet on him getting at least two base knocks at the Royals’ expense. It also doesn’t hurt that Kansas City is starting a right-hander, as Gallo bats lefty and should like his chances to jump on Zimmer early.
Kyle Gibson Under 5.5 strikeouts (-152)
As effective as Gibson has been this year, he is not a strikeout pitcher. Despite his success, Gibson has worked into the seventh inning only once in his last six outings. He has fanned only 64 hitters in 83.0 innings, so it stands to reason that he would have to work at least 7.0 innings on Saturday in order to record at least six strikeouts. The 33-year-old has gone six consecutive outings without reaching the six-strikeout mark.
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