The Detroit Tigers have been on the prowl since spring and they have been devouring their prey at a feverish pace, but now they are being scoped by a bounty hunter known as the Texas Rangers. The Rangers are coming off a fight-filled game against their rival, the Angels, and head to Motown with their six-shooter in tow.

Who better to invite to a lynching than their three time teammate Kenny Rogers who will toe the hill in Comerica Park tonight? On April 9 in Arlington, Rogers allowed five runs and a season-high 12 hits over 5 1-3 innings of a 5-3 defeat to end Detroit's season-opening five-game winning streak. I hope you took a line at your favorite sportsbook. I know I did.

The Tigers are trying to avoid their third straight loss at home.

The Red Sox pitching staff has received a needed, yet unexpected boost from a pitcher who once seemed unlikely to return this season. David Wells (2-2) logged his third straight outing of six or more innings delivering 6 2/3 frames in which he permitted four runs for a 6-4 victory over the Tigers. In those three starts Wells now owns a 2.75 ERA.

DH David Ortiz snapped a six-game homer-less drought by launching a two-run shot into the Red Sox bullpen. Of his 113 RBIs this year, 42 have either tied the game or given the Red Sox the lead.

364OF Manny Ramirez's home batting average through Aug. 11 tops in the American League!

LF Scott Podsednik is struggling on offense again as the outfielder entered Wednesday's game against Kansas City hitting .207 on the current 11-game home stand before singling in the sixth. Even when he gets on base, his base-stealing numbers are also off from '05. After nabbing 59 last season, Podsednik entered the final six weeks of the season with just 32 as well as being caught 14 times. "You have to get on base before you steal second," manager Ozzie Guillen said. "Right now, I think 'Pods' is not picking the right time to steal bases. Right now, we're not getting on base. We're not in the situation to steal. When you're up by eight runs, you're not going to steal."

According to the Elias Sports Bureau, the Twins' 44-16 record from June 8 through Tuesday was the best mark in the majors over that 60-game stretch and matched the best 60-game stretch in franchise history accomplished previously by the 1912 Washington Senators and the 1933 Senators. A difference-maker in that stretch has been MVP candidate 1B Justin Morneau who led the majors with a .383 batting average, 88 hits and 65 runs batted in over that span helping the Twins to a big-league-best .303 team average in the 60 games. Something to keep in mind when baseball betting.

Bob Acton

Sports Betting