The Houston Astros will make their American League debut on Sunday night as they take on the Texas Rangers at home at Minute Maid Park in the first MLB betting matchup of the season.
The new AL West rivals met six times last season, with the Rangers going 5-1 for their supporters on the MLB betting lines at the sportsbooks in those contests. Overall Texas has managed to go 15-5 over its last 20 games against Houston since 2009.
The Astros will rely on Bud Norris to turn in a quality outing on the mound in this one, while Matt Harrison will be his counterpart for the Rangers. Bud Norris was 7-13 last season, and Matt Harrison was 18-11.
View Texas vs Houston Odds and Stats.
Betting Line:
On the Sportsbook MLB line for this matchup, Houston sat as +135 underdogs. The total was set at 8.5.
How They Match Up:
The Rangers were a 5-1 loser in their most recent outing at home against the Orioles. That made Sportsbooks of bettors who got Baltimore at +210 on the moneyline, while the total score (6) was good news for UNDER bettors. The Rangers endured a 5-1 loss at the hands of the Orioles on Friday, with Yu Darvish throwing 6 2/3 innings of 5-hit ball at Rangers Ballpark.
In their last action, Houston was a 5-4 loser on the road against the Cubs. Bettors on Chicago at -121 on the moneyline collected their winnings from that game, while the total score (9) sent OVER bettors home happy as well. The Astros were saddled with a loss last time out in Edgar Gonzalez's start, as they lost 5-4 against Chicago on Wednesday at Wrigley Field.
Texas Rangers Trends:
When playing on Sunday are 3-7
Before playing Houston are 6-4
After playing Baltimore are 8-2
After a loss are 4-6
Houston Astros Trends:
When playing on Sunday are 5-5
Before playing Texas are 3-7
After playing Chi Cubs are 4-6
After a loss are 6-4
A few Rangers at Astros trends to consider:
Texas is 5-1 SU in its last 6 games when playing Houston
Texas is 10-2 SU in its last 12 games when playing on the road against Houston
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Texas' last 5 games on the road
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Texas' last 5 games when playing on the road against Houston
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Houston's last 6 games at home
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Houston's last 5 games when playing at home against Texas
Houston is 5-2 SU in its last 7 games
The total has gone UNDER in 6 of Houston's last 9 games
Next up:
Texas at Houston, Tuesday, April 2
