Stephen Nover Free Thursday Play
(MLB) Texas vs. NY Yankees, 07/24/2014 9:05 AM, Score: 2 - 4
Money Line: 175.00 Texas (Away)
Result: Loss
Brandon McCarthy isn't as bad as his statistics with the Diamondbacks may indicate. But he's certainly not as good as he's looked during his first two games with the Yankees. He also doesn't have good lifetime numbers against the Rangers.

Texas has dropped 18 of its last 21 on its way to becoming the worst team in baseball right now. But they shouldn't lack for motivation in this road matchup after the Yankees won by one run in what turned out to be in controversial fashion last night after the minimum five innings because of rain.

The Yankees' ground crew had trouble covering the field in a timely fashion once a downpour hit and the Rangers didn't appreciate that. This is what Rangers manager Ron Washington had to say about it: "Because of them not being able to get the tarp out on the field, this game shouldn't come to us losing it."

None of the Yankees have faced Texas starter Colby Lewis at the new Yankee Stadium. Lewis is having a down year, but he pitched respectably this past Saturday giving up two runs in five innings to the Blue Jays, a team with much more power and offense than the Yankees, who remain without their top power hitter, Mark Teixeira.

The Rangers also happen to have won six of the last eight times Lewis has been an underdog.

(Editor's note: In addition to this free selection, long-time sharp Stephen Nover has two more underdog plays, including his Underdog Game of the Week. Both plays are guaranteed!)