Rangers SP Dane Dunning went 5-5 with a 3.10 ERA and 1.32 WHIP in 20 road appearances (16 starts) last season. He was locked in during night games, compiling a 9-2 record with a 3.60 ERA and 1.19 WHIP in 24 appearances (17 starts). The fifth-year pro held Tampa Bay to two runs and five hits in a seven-inning no-decision in mid-July of last season.

The Rangers can rely on Dunning to pitch well on the road, but can Tampa depend on Ryan Pepiot? The youngster has his work cut out against the defending champs, who slashed .380/.448/.720/1.168 vs. right-handers in their opening series. His inexperience will be the difference, allowing Texas to jump out to an early lead.

The Rangers were 51-41 SU on the road last season, including 28-22 as road underdogs. I'm confident they will rise to the occasion on Monday night.