Rangers vs. Astros Prediction
Can the Houston Astros ride their ace to another victory on Friday night when they host the Texas Rangers at 8:10PM ET?
Game Snapshot & Odds
975 Texas Rangers at 976 Houston Astros
Friday, May 11, 2018
8:10PM ET – Minute Maid Park
TV: ATSW; FSSW
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Public Betting Trends
According to oddsmakers, the Astros are the clear favorite in this game, as they are getting odds of -250 to win. The Rangers are being given odds of +230 to win, while the over/under total for the contest has been set at 8 runs. The public betting currently has 77 percent of the wagers going on the Astros at home. This information is subject to change, however, so be sure to check out our MLB Public Betting Page for updated figures on the game.
Rangers coming off series win
The Rangers haven’t had a great season, but they are coming off a series win at home over the Detroit Tigers. Texas is 15-24 overall and 8-8 on the road. The Rangers are averaging 4.10 runs per game while allowing 5.44 per contest.
Cole Hamels is getting the start tonight for the Rangers. He is 1-4 through eight starts and the Rangers are just 1-7 when he has been on the mound. He has a 3.94 ERA with a 1.36 WHIP. Over 45.2 innings, Hamels has 52 strikeouts with 18 walks.
Astros back on track
After going through a 1-5 stretch against good teams, the Astros have won three straight over the Athletics in Oakland coming into this series. Houston is now 24-15 overall and 10-9 at home. The Astros are putting up 4.87 runs per game while allowing 2.77 per contest.
Justin Verlander toes the rubber for the Astros tonight. He is 4-1 through eight starts with a 1.17 ERA and a 0.71 WHIP. Verlander has 70 strikeouts and 11 walks through 53.2 innings of work. Through his eight starts, he has allowed one run or less in six of them.
MLB Betting Trends
Texas
The Rangers have lost 12 of their last 15 series openers and six of Hamel’s last eight road starts. They also are just 9-21 in their last 30 divisional games.
Houston
The Astros have won seven of Verlander’s last nine home starts and 14 of his last 18 starts overall. Houston has also prevailed in 22 of its last 30 divisional games.
Prediction:
Verlander has been stellar this year and he should be able to silence this Texas lineup tonight. Hamels could be competitive as well, but he really can’t make any mistakes. Verlander gets deep into games with little damage, setting things up for an easy night for his bullpen. I think Houston can win by multiple runs here as Verlander will shine again.
The Pick: Houston Astros -1.5 (-125)