Game 5: Houston Astros vs. Texas Rangers Betting Preview for October 20th

Houston Astros vs. Texas Rangers
Date: Friday, October 20th, 5:07 ET
Location: Globe Life Field
TV: FS1
Money Line: Astros -107/Rangers -117
Total Line: 8.5

Betting Preview

Here’s our betting preview for the upcoming MLB clash between the Texas Rangers and the Astros on Friday, October 20th at Globe Life Field. We provide you with a comprehensive analysis, odds, and predictions to help with your handicapping decision or tail our expert based on the projected lineups and listed starting pitchers.

Betting Odds

Astros vs. Rangers Projected Lineup

	Batting Order	Position
Jose Altuve	1	2B
Jeremy Peña	2	SS
Yordan Alvarez	3	DH
Alex Bregman	4	3B
Kyle Tucker	5	RF
José Abreu	6	1B
Chas McCormick	7	LF
Mauricio Dubón	8	CF
Martín Maldonado	9	C
Justin Verlander	–	SP




	Batting Order	Position
Marcus Semien	1	2B
Corey Seager	2	SS
Mitch Garver	3	DH
Adolis García	4	RF
Evan Carter	5	LF
Jonah Heim	6	C
Nathaniel Lowe	7	1B
Josh Jung	8	3B
Leody Taveras	9	CF
Jordan Montgomery	–	SP




Straight Up/Over-Under/ Runline Record

Houston Astros: 90-72 SU / OU 90-75 / Runline 86-84
Texas Rangers: 90-72 SU / OU 89-75 / Runline 95-76

On a record of 90-72, the Astros are tied for first place in the AL West. Against the Rangers, they will be seeking their 5th straight win. On the road, they have a record of 51-30 while going 39-42 at home. Houston’s overall series record is 27-21-5.

• The Astros have covered the runline in two straight games and have a season-long run margin of 0.8.
• The Astros have been favored in 72.4% of their games and have runline records of 34-51 and 52-33 at home and on the road, respectively
• The over has hit in 55% of the Astros’ 162 games at 90-75.

The Rangers head into today’s game in first place in the AL West on a record of 90-72. Over their last ten games, they have put together an above .500 record of 7-3. At home, Texas is 50-31 and 40-41 on the road. Their overall series record comes in at 34-18-2.

• The Rangers have two straight losses vs. the runline and have a season-long run margin of 1.0.
• The Rangers have been favored in 65.5% of their games and have runline records of 46-38 and 49-38 at home and on the road, respectively
• The over has hit in 54% of the Rangers’ 162 games at 89-75.

Pitching Matchup




Heading into today’s game, Houston starter Justin Verlander has pitched at least six innings in two straight games. For the season, he has an ERA of 3.22 and record of 13-8. His total strikeout figure stands at 144 with a slugging percentage allowed of .364. Currently, Verlander has a WHIP of 1.13 and WOBA allowed of .282.

Despite Verlander’s efforts, the Astros suffered a defeat in his last outing against the Rangers, with him being charged with the loss. He gave up two runs in 6 2/3 innings of work.




Starter Jordan Montgomery comes in with an overall record of 10-11 for the Rangers. Having made 35 appearances, his ERA is 3.20 and he has a K/9 figure of 7.92. Additionally, he has a FIP of 3.56 and an OBP of .288.

Jordan Montgomery earned a win and a quality start in his previous game, leading his team to a 2-0 win over the Astros. He allowed zero runs and five hits across 6 1/3 innings.

Astros vs. Rangers Offense Outlook

As of now, the Astros are one of the top home run hitting teams in baseball, with a total of 222 home runs (6th). Their overall performance has been impressive, averaging 5.1 runs per game with a collective batting average of .259. When playing on the road, their slugging percentage is .446 compared to .403 at home.

Houston Astros Team Hitting Stats




Houston Astros Top Hitters: Last Five Games




The Rangers have played 171 games and currently hold the 3rd spot in the league with an average of 5.4 runs per game. With 233 home runs, Texas is 3rd in the league. The team’s batting average, including .248 on the road and .267 at home, is .263.

Texas Rangers Top Hitters vs. Righties




Texas Rangers Top Hitters: Last Five Games




Free MLB Pick

The Texas Rangers are facing some real adversity for the first time all post-season as the Astros have rattled off two straight games. Not only does Houston now have the momentum, but they have Justin Verlander on the mound. I’m going with the Astros on the moneyline.