MLB Prediction: Can the Rangers win a third straight vs. Astros? 6/14/17
Can the Houston Astros get back on track at home tonight when they host the Texas Rangers at 8:10PM ET? Here’s our MLB Prediction for this AL West clash.
THE ODDS
According to the latest oddsmakers, the Astros are favored at home, as they are getting odds of -160 to win, while the Rangers are listed with odds of +145 to prevail. The over/under total for the game has been set at 9.5 runs.
PITCHING MATCHUP
The pitching matchup for tonight’s game has Andrew Cashner (3-5, 3.17 ERA) on the mound for the Rangers to face Francis Martes (0-0, 9.82) of the Astros.
Martes has just one pitching appearance this year. He allowed four runs over 3.2 innings with two strikeouts and two walks. Cashner has alternated some good starts with some bad. He has allowed five runs in two of his last four outings, but also has eight outings of allowed just two earned runs or less in his last 10 starts.
RECORDS
Texas has managed to take the first two games in this series, winning 6-1 on Monday and 4-2 on Tuesday. The road team has won six straight between these two this season.
Houston is now 44-22 overall and 21-14 at home while Texas is 32-32 overall and 14-18 on the road.
TUESDAY’S RECAP
A pair of home runs from Rougned Odor allowed the Rangers to rally for a victory on Tuesday night. The Astros established a 2-0 lead early thanks to home runs from George Springer and Carlos Correa. Springer now has 18 home runs this season.
The Houston bullpen took the loss as it allowed three runs over 4.1 innings of work. Nick Martinez went six innings in his start for Texas, but Jose Leclerc got the win in one inning of relief.
MLB PREDICTION
Houston is in a bit of a funk since their lengthy win streak ended. They have now lost six of their last eight games while the Rangers are now the hot team, winning five straight. I am not sure why Houston would be such a favorite when it has Martes on the mound. He has limited experience this year, and the experience he does have has been poor.
Cashner has been pretty reliable. He has had a pair of rough starts, but been largely competitive. I like Texas to ride him to a good outing while beating up on Martes early.
MLB Prediction: Texas Rangers +145
