Let's cut to the chase about this upcoming clash between the Tampa Bay Rays Rays and Texas Rangers Rangers.

Starting on the mound for Tampa is Taj Bradley. He's been fairly consistent this season, maintaining a 3.00 ERA, and impressive stats from last season. The man keeps his WHIP low and strikes out batters fairly often. On the opposite side, the Rangers are pitching Jacob deGrom, and let me tell you, this fella here is a vacuum cleaner, sucking up any hope of runs from the opposition like dust bunnies. With a staggering 0.00 ERA this season and a commendable record from the past season, the deck's rather stacked against the Rays here.

The Rays do however have some competent hitters: Jake Mangum, Jonny Deluca, and Brandon Lowe are all swinging the bat with some style and grace. On the Rangers side, we've got Jonah Heim, Wyatt Langford, and Adolis Garcia, who've been hungry for the fences and delivering nicely.

In their past encounters, it seems as though the Rangers have got the Rays' number, and that goes in line with their slightly superior regular season record too.

In the end though, it's always about 'what have you done for me lately', and both squads have been going quite alright. The Rays have hauled in a mix of wins and losses, with a noteworthy wiping out of Pittsburgh. Rangers have got a couple of nail-biters in their pocket, and a rollercoaster ride against Cincinnati, but seem to have gotten their groove back.

Considering all the background noise, the Rangers seem to have the edge in this duel. And at Globe Life Field, we might just see the more pitcher-friendly environment favor their impeccable man on the mound, deGrom.

Albert’s Prediction: Texas Rangers Rangers by 2.