Rangers vs. Astros Prediction
In-state rivals will open a four-game series tonight as the Texas Rangers play at the Houston Astros. Can Texas carve out a win in the opener as its best starting pitcher takes the mound?
Game Snapshot
917 Texas Rangers at 918 Houston Astros
Thursday, May 9, 2019
Minute Maid Park at 8:10PM ET
TV: ATT SportsNet SW
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Public Betting Information
According to oddsmakers, the Astros are a -153 favorite to win on the moneyline. The Rangers are a +143 underdog, while the total sits at 9 runs. As of Thursday afternoon, 66 percent of public bets are being placed on host Houston. Check out our MLB Public Betting Page for the latest updates.
Rangers rally past Pirates
Texas overcame a four-run deficit with four runs in the top of the eighth inning and another three in the ninth Wednesday afternoon in a 9-6 victory at Pittsburgh. Hunter Pence tied it up in the eighth inning with a pinch-hit grand slam, while Isiah Kiner-Falefa put the Rangers ahead with a double in the ninth inning. Joey Gallo then added a two-run homer for insurance. Gallo was 1-for-3 with the home run and three walks in the contest. Elvis Andrus finished 3-for-5 with a double and a run. Rougned Odor was 1-for-4 with a walk, two runs and two RBIs. Ariel Jurado threw a perfect inning of relief for the win, while Chris Martin struck out one in a perfect ninth inning for his first save. Mike Minor starts tonight for Texas as he enters with a 3-2 record, 2.40 ERA and 0.95 WHIP with 48 strikeouts over 48 2/3 innings.
Astros blank Royals
Houston bounced back from a lopsided loss the day before with a 9-0 victory Wednesday night over Kansas City. Brad Peacock had a dominant outing on the mound as he gave up three hits with 12 strikeouts and one walk over seven scoreless innings. Michael Brantley helped pace the offense as he was 2-for-3 with a home run, a walk, two runs and three RBIs. George Springer finished 1-for-2 with a home run, a walk, two runs and two RBIs. Carlos Correa added a solo home run in three at-bats. Wade Miley draws the start for the Astros tonight as he comes in with a 2-2 record, 3.20 ERA and 1.17 WHIP with 23 strikeouts over 39 1/3 innings.
MLB Betting Trends
Texas
The Rangers are 17-35 in their last 52 road games. Texas is 0-6 in its last six series openers.
Houston
The Astros are 5-1 in the last six Miley starts. Houston is 2-6 in its last eight home games versus Texas.
Prediction:
Minor has continued where he left off in the second half of last season, but draws a very tough challenge tonight at a Houston team equipped to deal with left-handed pitching. Meanwhile, Texas typically struggles against lefties and Miley is a frustrating pitcher to face as he forces a lot of groundballs and keeps hitters off balance. Rather than pick a winner here, I think both pitchers are going to frustrate the opposing offense and keep this total under.
MLB DAILY PREDICTION: TEXAS RANGERS/HOUSTON ASTROS UNDER 0