[gambcom-standard rankid=”3011″ ]
The Texas Rangers (45-50) and Houston Astros (50-45) wrap up a 3-game series Sunday. First pitch from Minute Maid Park is scheduled for 2:10 p.m. ET. Let’s analyze FanDuel Sportsbook’s lines around the Rangers vs. Astros odds and make our expert MLB picks and predictions for the best bets.
Season series: Astros lead 5-4
The Rangers picked up a 2-1 win in 10 innings Saturday behind RHP Nathan Eovaldi, and Texas has won 6 of the past 8 games since July 5. The Rangers pitching staff has allowed 4 or fewer runs in 7 of the past 9 outings.
The Astros saw their 4-game winning streak snapped, and the single run scored was the lowest offensive output since getting blanked on the road against the Chicago White Sox June 18.
Rangers at Astros projected starters
RHP Max Scherzer vs. RHP Ronel Blanco
Scherzer (1-2, 3.09 ERA) makes his 5th start. He has a 0.94 WHIP, 1.2 BB/9 and 6.6 K/9 in 23 1/3 IP.
- Last start: No-decision, 6 2/3 IP, 3 ER (4 R), 8 H (2 HR), 0 BB, 6 K in 5-4 road win vs. Los Angeles Angels Tuesday
- 2024 road splits: 0-1, 3.75 ERA (12 IP, 5 ER), 1.17 WHIP, .255 opponents’ batting average (OBA), 2 BB, 10 K in 2 starts
- Career vs. Astros (regular season): 5-2, 3.84 ERA (63 1/3 IP, 27 ER), 0.95 WHIP, 11.5 K/9 in 9 starts and 1 relief appearance
Blanco (9-3, 2.53 ERA) makes his 18th start. He has a 0.99 WHIP, 3.5 BB/9 and 8.3 K/9 in 103 IP.
- Last start: Win, 7 IP, 2 ER, 4 H, 1 BB, 7 K in 4-3 home win vs. Miami Marlins Tuesday
- 2024 home splits: 4-2, 2.60 ERA (55 1/3 IP, 16 ER), 0.90 WHIP, .159 OBA, 20 BB, 49 K in 9 starts (1 CG)
- Career vs. Rangers: 2-0, 3.10 ERA (20 1/3 IP, 7 ER), 1.43 WHIP, 6.6 K/9 in 3 starts and 3 relief appearances
Who’s going yard? Here’s a breakdown of today’s best home run props with our top picks. Include the BetMGM bonus code SBWIRE to score a $1,500 first-bet offer.
Rangers at Astros odds
Provided by FanDuel Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list. Lines last updated at 5:19 a.m. ET.
- Moneyline (ML): Rangers +112 (bet $100 to win $112) | Astros -132 (bet $132 to win $100)
- Run line (RL)/Against the spread (ATS): Rangers +1.5 (-192) | Astros -1.5 (+158)
- Over/Under (O/U): 8 (O: -110 | U: -110)
[gambcom-standard rankid=”3012″ ]
Rangers at Astros picks and predictions
Prediction
Astros 3, Rangers 2
Moneyline
The ASTROS (-132) are worth playing as moderate favorites at home in this series finale over the Rangers (+112).
Blanco has been tough at home, with a tremendous ERA, WHIP and OBA. It won’t be easy, as Scherzer is a tough matchup for the ‘Stros, but Houston is the way to go. It has been playing much better baseball lately.
Run line/Against the spread
The Rangers +1.5 (-192) will you set you back nearly 2 times your potential return, and that’s way too much risk for not enough reward if you require a little bit of insurance. If you like Texas, just play it straight up.
If you like the Astros -1.5 (+158), back them, as they’re 3-1 on the run line as favorites in the past 4 tries.
PASS, though, as this is just too expensive.
Play our free daily Pick’em Challenge and win! Play now!
Over/Under
UNDER 8 (-110) is a strong play in this potential pitchers’ duel in H-Town.
The Under has cashed in 12 of Blanco’s past 14 starts, and that alone should make bettors feel quite confident.
For the Rangers, playing the Under is a little risky, as the Over is 4-1-1 in the past 6 games. However, the total has gone low in 3 of Scherzer’s 4 starts to date.
[gambcom-standard rankid=”5″ ]
If you’re looking to play some games of your own, check out the online casino real money action available or play on social casinos instead for free.
For more sports betting picks and tips, check out SportsbookWire.com and BetFTW.
Follow Kevin J. Erickson on Twitter/X. Follow SportsbookWire on Twitter/X and like us on Facebook.
Fantasy baseball help from BaseballHQ.com:
Subscribe now to dominate the competition.
[lawrence-newsletter]
[lawrence-auto-related count=3 category=1372]