Houston Astros (90-72) vs. Texas Rangers (90-72)
As we move into Game 3 of the ALCS, the identical win-loss records of the Houston Astros and Texas Rangers may give an illusion of equilibrium. But, the Texas Rangers lead the series 2-0, putting the Astros in a tight spot. Baseball enthusiasts and bettors alike are eagerly anticipating this match-up. For those looking for MLB free picks today, this analysis will hopefully provide some insights.
The Houston Astros, despite their impressive regular season, seem to be under a bit of pressure coming into this game. Their batting average of .259, coupled with 222 home runs and a commendable on-base percentage, was one of the reasons behind their success throughout the season. Their ERA, sitting at 3.94, showcases a balanced team with both offense and defense. Their recent betting trend indicates an inclination towards high-scoring games.
The Texas Rangers, matching the Astros in their regular-season record, have displayed a slightly better batting average at .263. Their runs and home runs count at 881 and 233, respectively, slightly eclipse the Astros. Given their recent undefeated streak, it’s clear they have momentum on their side as they’ve enjoyed a superior offensive season, which could make a significant difference.
Houston Astros vs. Texas Rangers Game Info
| When: | Wednesday, October 18, 2023 at 8:03 PM ET |
| Where: | Globe Life Field |
| TV: | FS1 |
| Stream: | MLB.TV |
Cristian Javier (10-5 W-L, 4.56 ERA) vs. Max Scherzer (4-2 W-L, 3.2 ERA)
Cristian Javier for the Astros has had a mixed season with a W-L record of 10-5 and an ERA of 4.56. He has pitched 162 innings this season, managing to keep his WHIP to 1.27. While his strengths lie in his ability to strike out, with 159 strikeouts, the 25 home runs given up indicate some vulnerabilities. The Astros would be hoping for Javier to put on a commanding performance, leveraging his strengths while being cautious of the long ball.
On the other side, Max Scherzer, a veteran with ample playoff experience, comes in with a 4-2 record for the Rangers. Even with a limited number of games this season, his ERA of 3.2 and a superior WHIP of 0.96 display his class. Scherzer’s low hit count, combined with a high strikeout rate, makes him a formidable opponent. The Astros will need to be wary of Scherzer’s ability to dominate.
MLB Odds/Point Spread: Texas Rangers -126, Total Odds: 9
Considering the current betting odds, the Rangers come in as the favorites with a moneyline of -126. The total runs are set at 9, with recent trends from both teams suggesting a possibility of a high-scoring affair.
Houston Astros Betting Trends
The Astros’ recent trends show an inclination towards the OVER in 4 of their last 6 games. They’ve been strong against Texas recently, standing 7-3 SU in their last 10 games against them. Impressively, they’ve dominated on the road, winning all of their last 6 road games and specifically 5-0 when playing in Texas. This road dominance is a ray of hope for Astros fans and bettors alike.
Texas Rangers Betting Trends
The Rangers, on the other hand, are on a hot streak, going 7-0 in their last 7 games. However, despite this streak, they’ve had some trouble with the Astros at home, losing their last 5 home games against them. Their games against the Astros have generally been high scoring, with the total going OVER in 5 of their last 6 meetings.
Houston Astros vs. Texas Rangers 10/18/23 Betting Picks
As we head into Game 3, while the Rangers have the momentum, the Astros’ road dominance can’t be ignored. This makes for a tricky prediction, but considering the series lead and home advantage, the Rangers might just have the edge.
For bettors searching for the best online betting platforms, it’s crucial to compare odds, bonuses, and features to get the most value for your bets. In this match-up, considering recent form and trends, the OVER on the total runs seems like a strong choice, with the Rangers potentially sealing another win.
Free Pick and Prediction: Texas Rangers 6, Houston Astros 4
