Houston Astros (83-59) vs. Texas Rangers (52-89)
September 13, 2021 8:05 pm EDT
The Line: Texas Rangers +185 / Houston Astros -263; Over/Under: +9
(Get latest betting odds)
The Houston Astros and the Texas Rangers meet Monday in MLB action from Globe Life Field. The Astros just finished up a series versus the Angels. Houston split the first pair in that set, then on Sunday the Astros picked up a two-run victory. As for the Rangers, they played the A’s over the weekend. Texas also split their first two games, and in the Sunday rubber match the Rangers eked out a victory. Check back all season long for free MLB picks at Sports Chat Place.
Houston posted a 10-5 win over the Angels on Friday but then lost 4-2 on Saturday. In the Sunday game, the Astros scored twice in the fifth inning and were able to hang on for a 3-1 win. Starter Lance McCullers put up 6.0 innings with three hits, one earned and two walks.
For the starter job in the Monday game, the Astros will go with Jake Odorizzi. In his 94.2 innings this year Odorizzi has 84 hits, 47 runs (45 earned), 16 homers allowed, 31 walks, 85 Ks and a 4.28 ERA.
Over on the Rangers’ side, they lost 10-5 to the A’s Friday then bounced back Saturday for an 8-6 victory. On Sunday Texas gave up three runs across the fifth and sixth innings but hung on for a 4-3 win. Taylor Hearn managed 6.0 innings with three earned on five hits.
For the starting pitcher gig in the Monday game the Rangers are sending out Spencer Howard. This year Howard is 0-3 with a 6.21 ERA and 41 strikeouts to his credit.
The Astros are 89-36 in their last 125 in game one of a series and 19-9 in their last 28 versus the AL West. The under is 4-1-1 in Houston’s last six road games as well.
Meanwhile, the Rangers are 4-1 in their last five at home after a road trip of a week or more and 17-36 in their last 53 overall. Texas is 16-36 in their last 52 versus the AL West and 16-35 in their last 51 in game one of a series.
PICK: I’m going to stick with the Astros. Odorizzi has been doing pretty well over his last four starts, with no more than two earned in any outing and at least 5.0 innings finished in each as well. Combined over his last quartet, Odorizzi has six earned on 17 hits in 20.2 frames. I like him to keep it going here and put Houston in a good spot.
