Texas Rangers at Houston Astros odds, picks and predictions
The Texas Rangers (59-76) square off against the Houston Astros (87-49) Wednesday to close out a 3-game series at Minute Maid Park with 1st pitch at 8:10 p.m. ET. Let's analyze Tipico Sportsbook's lines around the Rangers vs. Astrosodds with MLB picks and predictions.
Season series: Astros lead 13-5
The Rangers have won 3 of their last 5 games, including Tuesday's matchup with the Astros. Even with the 4-3 victory, Texas is 27 1/2 games behind Houston in the AL West and only ahead of the Oakland Athletics in the division.
The Astros have won 6 of their last 8 games. After the New York Yankees held the best record in the AL for months, Houston now has passed for the best record in the AL. Houston is 10 games ahead of the Seattle Mariners for the division lead.
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Rangers at Astros projected starters
LHP Cole Ragans vs. RHP Cristian Javier
Ragans (0-2, 4.42 ERA) makes his 5th start. He has a 1.53 WHIP, 4.9 BB/9, and 4.4 K/9 in 18 1/3 IP.
- Has fewer than 3 K in each of his first 4 starts
- Aug. 11 at Astros: 4 1/3 IP, 6 H, 5 ER, 3 BB, 1 K
Javier (8-9, 3.07 ERA) makes his 21st start. He has a 1.02 WHIP, 3.3 BB/9, and 11.7 K/9 in 120 1/3 IP.
- Has surrendered at least 1 HR in 9 of his last 11 starts
- Aug. 31 at Rangers: 5 IP, 4 H, 3 ER, 3 BB, 7 K
Rangers at Astros odds
Provided by Tipico Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list. Lines last updated Wednesday at 8:27 a.m. ET.
- Money line (ML) : Rangers +225 (bet $100 to win $225) | Astros -290 (bet $290 to win $100)
- Run line (RL)/Against the spread (ATS) : Rangers +1.5 (+105) | Astros -1.5 (-130)
- Over/Under (O/U) : 8.5 (O: +100 | U: -125)
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Rangers at Astros picks and predictions
Prediction
Astros 6, Rangers 3
Money line
I'll PASS on the money line in this contest, though, I expect the Astros to come away with the win at home. You can only make $100 off of a $290 bet on Houston, so the reward isn't worth the risk.
Run line/Against the spread
ASTROS -1.5 (-130) is where I'm leaning in this game with Houston facing an inexperienced pitcher. The Astros have won by multiple runs in 5 of their last 6 wins over the Rangers this season.
Over/Under
The Under has hit in each of the last 2 games in this series, but OVER 8.5 RUNS (+100) at plus-odds is enticing. Ragans gave up 5 runs in his last start against the Astros and Javier has allowed multiple runs in back-to-back starts.
The Over is 4-0-1 in Javier's last 5 home starts vs. a team with a losing record. On top of that, the Astros are 4-0-1 to the Over in their last 5 games where the total is set between 9 and 10.5.
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