Houston Astros vs. Texas Rangers: Betting Preview & Expert Picks

Houston Astros vs. Texas Rangers
Date: Thursday, October 19th, 8:03 ET
Location: Globe Life Field
TV: FS1
Money Line: Astros -108/Rangers -111 (Betnow: Deposit $100 get $100 free w/code PREDICTEM)
Total Line: 9.5

Betting Preview

Here’s our betting preview for the upcoming MLB clash between the Texas Rangers and the Astros on Thursday, October 19th 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

Straight Up/Over-Under/ Runline Record

Houston Astros: 90-72 SU / OU 89-75 / Runline 85-84
Texas Rangers: 90-72 SU / OU 88-75 / Runline 95-75

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 50.3% of their games and have an average run margin of 0.8
• The Astros have been favored in 72.2% of their games and have runline records of 34-51 and 51-33 at home and on the road, respectively
• The over has hit in 54% of the Astros’ 162 games at 89-75.

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 8-2. 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 covered the runline in 55.9% of their games and have an average run margin of 1.1
• The Rangers have been favored in 65.9% of their games and have runline records of 46-37 and 49-38 at home and on the road, respectively
• The over has hit in 54% of the Rangers’ 162 games at 88-75.

Pitching Matchup

Houston is looking to José Urquidy to deliver yet another impressive performance, given he has earned a win in two consecutive games. So far he has an ERA of 5.29 and record of 3-3. Throughout the season, he has accumulated 45 strikeouts and has a batting average allowed of .252. In terms of slugging percentage, teams have SLG of .434 vs. Urquidy.

Houston is hoping that José Urquidy can help guide them to another win, as they defeated the Twins (3-2) the last time he pitched. He finished the game with two earned runs on three hits across 5 2/3 innings.

The Rangers will turn to starter Andrew Heaney who has an overall record of 10-6. Through 35 appearances his ERA stands at 4.15 with a K/9 figure of 9.22. So far, he has put together of FIP of 4.66 to go along with an OBP of .326.

In his most recent outing, Andrew Heaney faced the Orioles and allowed one run on two hits across 3 2/3 innings. Although he didn’t get the win or the loss, his team, the Rangers, won the game by a score of 3-2.

Astros vs. Rangers Offense Outlook

This season, the Astros are ranked 5th in the league with an average of 5.1 runs per game. Houston is ranked 6th in home runs, with a total of 222 long balls. Their overall batting average is .259, including .259 on the road and .243 at home.

Houston Astros Top Hitters On The Road

Houston Astros Top Hitters: Last Five Games

With 170 games under their belt, the Rangers are currently 3rd in the league, averaging 5.4 runs per game. Texas’ home run ranking is 3rd, with the team having hit 233 long balls. The team’s batting average, including .248 on the road and .267 at home, is .263.

Texas Rangers Team Hitting Stats

Texas Rangers Top Hitters: Last Five Games

Free MLB Pick

The Astros picked up a much-needed win last night and have a chance to even the series with a win tonight. I like the matchup between Houston’s top bats vs Andrew Heaney for the Rangers. I’m rolling with the Astros to make it two in a row.