Astros vs Rangers Prediction, Pick and Preview, September 14 (9/14): MLB

Credit: photo by Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports

 

Odds

Time	8:05 p.m. EST
Astros money line	-225
Astros run line	-2.5 (+105)
Rangers money line	+185
Rangers run line	+2.5 (-130)
Over / under	9 (-105)

 

Key stats

	Astros	Rangers
Record	84-59	53-90
Road / home record	41-32	32-47
Last 10 record	6-4	6-4
Streak	W2	L1
Over / under record	68-58-5	57-70-4
Runs / game	5.13	4.88
Runs allowed / game	4.04	4.37

 

Preview

The Houston Astros and the Texas Rangers will play game two of their four-game series. The Astros exploded for a 15-1 victory last night to open things up. 

The Astros pulled off explosive win over Texas last night, scoring in six of nine possible innings. Yordan Alvarez went yard twice, while Jose Altuve, Alex Bregman and Jose Altuve all drove in two runs apiece. Rookie outfielder Jose Siri made his first career start and delivered a pair of homers himself last night. Any and everything just came together at the plate last night for Houston, but tonight will likely be tougher.

The Rangers have struggled for most of the season, but prior to last night's beating, they were winners of six of their last seven. Things got out of hand early last night, but they will be sending their ace to the mound this evening in hopes of putting up a fight. Nothing's impossible in baseball, but the Rangers will have their work cut out for them.

Pitching matchup

Astros

Zach Grienke (10-7, 3.55 ERA) will start for Houston. He'll making his last start since the end of August this evening. He was really good through four starts, but in his most recent start, against the Rangers ironically enough, Grienke had an uncharacteristic performance. He gave up six runs in just four innings of work, and after having a few weeks off, he should return refreshed.

Rangers

Jordan Lyles (2-2, 2.67 ERA) will start for Texas. The eleventh-year journeyman has endured a rough season, but he leads the Rangers in both innings pitched (155.2) and wins (8). Lyles' is there workhorse and he gives them the best chance to win, but he will likely run into trouble with this Houston lineup.

hird-year pitcher has been solid since joining the rotation in late July. He's thrown seven strikeouts in three of his last four starts. He's been able to avoid trouble by getting out of innings quickly, but this will be his first time facing a confident Toronto lineup.  

Prediction

The abrupt 15-1 victory for Houston last night showed how dark things could get when these two teams play. Their two Texas teams in two totally different situtations right now. Betting the three-run line is always risky, but the Rangers might not be able to keep up with Grienke on the mound and in good form. The over feels safer, but we could be in for another blowout so trust the Astros tonight. Take Houston's run line this evening.

PICK: Houston Astros -2.5 (+105)

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