Texas Rangers - Toronto Blue Jays

The Toronto Blue Jays and Texas Rangers are meeting in the American League Division Series for the second consecutive year.  Game 1 starts in Arlington, TX today at 4:30 p.m. EST.  The Rangers had the best record in the AL this year at 95-67 and earned home-field advantage throughout the playoffs.  They are expected to win the series this time around.  Game 1 matches two All-Star pitchers - Cole Hamels (15-5, 3.32) starting for the Rangers, and Marco Estrada (9-9, 3.48) for the Blue Jays. Hamels, the 2008 World Series and NL Championship Series MVP with Philadelphia, didn't face Toronto during the regular season.  His record at home is 5-2 with 4.40 ERA.  Estrada started twice against Texas, going 6 innings for no-decisions in both extra-inning games (1-1). His record in games played on the road is solid, 6-2 with 3.39 ERA. With that said, I am picking the Texas Rangers with the spread of (+1.5) Runs - they have the best record in the AL, and shall start this important series with a strong game at home.

UPDATE October 07, 2016 - FINAL Result: Texas Rangers  1-10 Toronto Blue Jays.  Toronto had a huge 5-run third inning to cruise to an unexpected 10-1 victory over the Rangers in Game 1 on Thursday afternoon at Globe Life Park. Toronto's starter, Marco Estrada, allowed just 4 hits and 1 run over 8 1/3 innings in the longest start by a pitcher in Toronto postseason history.  The Blue Jays did most of their damage against the starter Cole Hamels, who was very weak today - Troy Tulowitzki had a bases-loaded triple, Melvin Upton Jr. homered and Josh Donaldson had 4 hits, including a pair of doubles. Bautista added a 3-run homer to complete the bust of the Rangers, a convincing 10-1 victory for the Blue Jays. Toronto is in the driver seat now, and is expected to win the series.