The Houston Astros will send Dallas Keuchel to the mound for their series opener with the rival Texas Rangers on Friday. Keuchel – who is possibly having one of the worst seasons for a reigning Cy Young Sportsbook ever – has been beaten up by the Rangers this season to the tune of a 7.91 ERA while allowing Texas to hit .381.
The Rangers will trot Martin Perez to the mound in hopes that the lefty can finally find some consistency pitching on the road. Perez has a 5.95 ERA on the road this season while surrendering a combined 19 runs in his past three outings away from Arlington.
In general, the Lone Star Series has been incredibly one-sided with the Rangers picking up nine victories in the past 10 contests against the Astros. However, seven of those nine Rangers’ victories have come by two runs or less.
Sportsbook Odds & Computer Pick
Sportsbooks such as Sportsbook had installed the Houston Astros as -181 moneyline favorites in this particular MLB betting odds matchup. The total, meanwhile, was set early at 8.5 before betting at Sportsbook started to move the line.
Odds Shark computer prediction formulas pick a 4.0-1.8 win for the Rangers on Friday. View the computer score prediction and who will win the pick on the moneyline for all upcoming MLB matchups here.
Texas Rangers vs Houston Astros Matchup
Team Betting Records & Power Rankings
56-52 Houston battles the Rangers, currently with a 63-46 mark. Stay Informed: follow us on Twitter for odds specials, betting line moves and Houston vs Texas injuries news.
The Houston Astros vs Texas Rangers odds would favor the Astros if the betting lines were set according to our power ranks. Houston is rated No. 15 in the current Odds Shark poll, while Texas is at No. 26.
Statistical Matchup
At the plate, Houston owns the No. 24 ranking for hits at 8.25 per game. By contrast, the Texas Rangers are rated No. 9 in the same category at 8.94 per game.
Pitching and defensive stats are important baseball handicapping betting factors and Houston has the No. 7-ranked defense. In the other dugout, the Rangers own the No. 21 mark in runs allowed.
Recent Outings Betting Recap
Texas rolled to a 5-3 win against Baltimore on Thursday, as A Griffin and the Rangers' bats led the team to victory at Camden Yards.
The Astros endured a 4-1 loss at the hands of the Blue Jays on Thursday, with M Fiers throwing 6 innings of 5-hit ball at Minute Maid Park.
Next Betting Matchups
Texas at Houston, Saturday, August 6th