Houston Astros at Texas Rangers Pick

By Rich Crew

Date: 14/07/2019 3:05 pm

Location: Globe Life Park

TV: FS Southwest

Betting Odds

Moneyline: HOU -202 / TEX +192

Total: 10.5

The Houston Astros and the Texas Rangers will play the finale of a four-game set at Globe Life Park this afternoon. The Rangers took the first two, but the Astros bounced back with a 7-6 extra-inning win yesterday and will be looking for as split with ace Justin Verlander on the mound.

Betting Odds

Houston backers are saddled with a big line with Verlander on the mound having to lay -202. The total line is on most MLB boards at 10.5 runs with UNDER bettors having to lay -115.

Recent Play

The Astros come into this game on a 3-3 run over their last six, and while they did win five straight before that, they haven’t been impressive over their previous 22 games going 10-12. The Rangers haven’t been playing their best ball either, going 4-7 in their last 11 but have been showing signs of turning the corner with three wins in their previous four.

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Team vs. Team Match-up

These two clubs have met 13 times this season with the home squad taking ten of the matches. Houston with their victory last night holds a 7-6 edge and likewise for the total with 7 of the 13 games going OVER.

Starting Pitching

Justin Verlander: The Astros ace hasn’t been himself in recent weeks with just one quality start over his last four outings. He has pitched well against the Rangers, for the most part, this season allowing just one run in 14 innings in his previous two after getting roughed up for four runs in four innings back in early April.

Ariel Jurado: The Texas starter began this season in the bullpen, but he has been primarily a starter lately with nine starts in his last 11 appearances with mixed results. Jurado has one career start versus Houston, and that came last season, and it was a good one allowing one run on two hits over six innings in a 7-3 Texas win.

Scoring

Neither team has a problem putting runs on the board with Texas fourth in the MLB in scoring and Houston in 11th. Current scoring isn’t any different with Houston scoring four or more runs in nine of their last ten and Texas putting up four or more in 16 of their previous 20.

Betting Trends

Texas is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games when playing at home against Houston
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Houston’s last 5 games when playing Texas overall
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Texas’s last 7 games
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Texas’s last 6 games at home
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Texas’s last 5 games when playing at home against Houston

Weather

Today’s weather forecast has the game-time temperature in the high 80’s with the wind blowing out to right field at 11 MPH.

Get more details: HOU/TEX MLB Match-up Stats

Astros vs. Rangers Prediction 7/14/19

Astros starter Verlander has owned the Rangers hitters in his last two which included one here at Globe Life Park, but he did have his struggles in his first visit allowing four runs over four innings. He has been out of form in his last four with just one QS and allowing nine HRs. Rangers starter Jurado pitched well against the Astros in his only career start, and while he has been mediocre at best this season, he has been better during the day with a 3.49 ERA. Texas is a very good 31-18 at home this season, are hitting well and can get the money here at a big price. Jurado did get blown up in his latest so his confidence may be an issue, and with Verlander’s recent struggles, the total looks good as well.

Free Pick: Take the Rangers +192 and the OVER 10.5