Rangers vs. Astros Prediction
The Houston Astros are looking like they should be a contender in the AL again this season. Will they get any resistance this afternoon from the Texas Rangers when the two meet up at 4:05PM ET?
Game Snapshot & Odds
923 Texas Rangers at 924 Houston Astros
Saturday, April 14, 2018
4:05PM ET, Minute Maid Park
TV: ATSW; FSSW
Public Betting Trends
According to oddsmakers at YouWager, the Astros are favored at home, as they are getting odds of -205 to prevail. The Rangers have odds of +185 on the road. Currently, 71% of the wagers are going on the Astros at home today. This information is subject to change, however, so be sure to check out our MLB Public Betting Page for updated figures on the game.
Houston nearly perfect at home
The Astros put an end to back-to-back losses on Friday with a 3-2 win at home over the Rangers. Houston improved to 6-1 at home this season. Their pitching continues to be a strength, as they are allowing just 2.86 runs per game. Offensively, Houston is averaging 4.36 runs per game.
Charlie Morton gets the start today. He has pitched in two games and won both starts, each coming at home. He has thrown a total of 12 innings and hasn’t allowed an earned run while striking out 13 while walking just five.
Rangers on a skid
After Friday’s loss, Texas has now lost five straight games to fall to 4-11 on the season. Their previous four losses were all by multiple runs. Texas is giving up 5.33 runs per game so far and putting up just 3.07 per contest.
Mike Minor will get the start today for Texas. He is making his third start of the season. Minor has pitched 10.2 innings, allowing three runs and five hits with 12 strikeouts and four walks.
MLB Betting Trends
Texas
The Rangers are just 2-6 in their last eight road games and 1-4 in their last five games against a right-handed starter. They are also 3-14 in their last 17 games against a team with a winning record.
Houston
Houston has won nine of its last 11 Game 2’s of a series and they have won 21 of their last 27 home games against a team with a losing road record. The Astros have also won six of Morton’s last seven home starts.
Prediction:
I recommended the Astros on the run line on Friday and it didn’t quite work out. The Astros hitting wasn’t able to do enough damage against Cole Hamels and company. Mike Minor has looked good so far, but I still feel Houston is likely to win by multiple runs. Minor has to hand the ball over to a real shaky bullpen.
The Pick: Houston Astros -1.5 (-115)