Texas Rangers vs. Houston Astros, 7/28/2018 Prediction & Odds

Rangers vs. Astros Saturday Prediction

The Texas Rangers thumped the Houston Astros on Friday night but it'll be difficult to beat the host again for a second consecutive night. Will tonight's matchup also be high-scoring for bettors?

Game Snapshot & Odds

925 Texas Rangers (+315) at 926 Houston Astros (-360); 8.5 runs

Saturday, July 28, 2018

7:10 p.m. ET, Minute Maid Park

TV: TEX (FSSW); HOU (ATTH)

Compare odds and from multiple different online sportsbooks and shop for the best lines at our new Baseball Odds & Betting Page.

Public Betting Trends

Oddsmakers from online sportsbooks currently list the Astros as a -360 favorite. As of this writing, 74% of the betting tickets wagered at online sportsbooks are on the Astros to beat the Rangers on the moneyline. This information is subject to change, however, so be sure to check out our MLB Public Betting Page for updated figures on this game.

Rangers' Jurado to remain in starting rotation

Rangers' manager Jeff Bannister said before Friday's game that Ariel Jurado will remain in the club's starting rotation beyond Saturday. That contradicts what general manager Jon Daniels said earlier in the day, commiting to just one start for the 22-year-old hurler in the rotation spot vacated by Cole Hamels. Given his lack of strikeouts, he remains an unappealing fantasy option, even if he does stick in the Rangers' rotation.

Astros' Verlander strikes out 11 over six scoreless innings

Justin Verlander struck out 11 Angels over six scoreless innings in a win Saturday. Verlander scattered five hits and two walks, recording his highest single-game strikeout total since ... his last time out, when he fanned 12. That's been a common theme for Verlander, who now has 183 strikeouts on the year, second-most in the American League behind only Red Sox ace Chris Sale. He doesn't trail Sale or anyone else in innings pitched, ERA or WHIP, leading the league in all three categories, and the win improved Verlander to 10-5 with a 2.19 ERA and 0.85 WHIP through 22 starts overall. He'll next square off with the Rangers next weekend.

MLB Betting Trends

Texas

The Rangers are 0-5 in their last five games coming off a win.

Houston

The Astros have won 12 of Verlander's last 14 starts versus the American League West.

Prediction:

The over is 4-1 in the Rangers' last five games overall, is 4-1 in their last five divisional games and has cashed in five of their last six games after scoring five runs or more in their previous contest. On the other side, the over is 6-1 in the Astros' last seven home games, is 5-2 in their last seven divisional games and is 6-1 in Verlander's last seven starts following a quality start in his last appearance.

 

The Pick: Rangers/Astros over 8.5