MLB betting players have seen Boston go on a bit of a slump lately, but as of Thursday, they still had a half-game lead over Texas for the wild-card spot in the American League. The two begin a three-game set at The Ballpark in Texas, where the Red Sox were swept earlier this year.

Red Sox vs Rangers Odds – Friday, August 14, 8:05 PM ET

Jon Lester (9-7, 3.67) has given up two runs in his last 13 innings, which spans two starts, but since the Red Sox scored only four runs in those outings, he was stuck with a pair of no-decisions. He also has been taken deep three times in his last 10 starts, which is an important stat heading into The Ballpark. The 25-year-old southpaw is 2-0 in four career starts against the Rangers with a 3.33 ERA, and if he can maintain that level of play, the Red Sox’ World Series odds may jump a bit this weekend.

Kevin Millwood (9-7, 3.38) gave up a pair of runs on six hits over six innings of a 6-3 win over the Red Sox three weeks ago, bumping his career numbers against them to 6-4 in 14 starts with a 3.99 ERA. However, betting software may not have that much faith in him, as Boston has hit .265 off Millwood in those 14 outings, so he‘ll need run support. At The Ballpark, the 34-year-old righty has been a beast in 2009, going 7-1 in 11 starts with a 2.49 ERA, which may be enough to give him the edge if you’re betting online.

Baseball lines should favor Texas at home, and they can take the wild-card lead with a good series this weekend. There shouldn’t be too many runs scored as Lester and Millwood are both pitching well as of late. However, the veteran Millwood has been out of his mind at The Ballpark, and the Rangers are playing with a sense of urgency, while the Red Sox, despite a great home series against Detroit, have lost their last six games away from Fenway Park. The Rangers are definitely a good pick if you’re betting online on Friday.