MLB Predictions: Can the Astros sweep the Rangers? 9/27/17
Will the Houston Astros complete a sweep of the Texas Rangers when the two close out their series today at 2:05PM ET? Here’s our MLB Predictions for today’s AL West clash.
ODDS
According to oddsmakers at Bovada.lv, the Astros are favored on the road today, as Houston is getting odds of -195 to win, while the Rangers are listed with a money line of +165 to prevail. The over/under total for the game is listed at 10 runs.
PITCHING MATCHUP
The pitching matchup this afternoon has Justin Verlander (14-8, 3.38 ERA) on the mound for the Astros to face Nick Martinez (3-7, 5.42) of the Rangers. Verlander has been great for Houston, allowing just two runs over 28 innings. He has 32 strikeouts with just five walks. Martinez has allowed four runs in his last three starts, which has spanned just 12 innings. Martinez has 65 strikeouts with 27 walks and a 1.33 WHIP.
ASTROS
Houston opened this midweek series on Monday with an 11-2 win on the road. The Astros then added a 14-3 win on Tuesday night. The road team has won five of the last six in this series. Houston is now 97-60 overall and 49-27 on the road. Texas is 76-81 overall and 39-37 at home. The Astros are 1 game behind the Indians for the top record in the AL while Texas is officially out of the playoff mix.
TUESDAY’S RECAP
Tuesday saw the Astros hammered the Rangers. Cole Hamels lasted just three innings and gave up six runs. Dallas Keuchel had a strong outing, allowing just one earned run over six innings to get his 14th win. At the plate, Houston finished with 14 runs on 18 hits. Carlos Correa, Brian McCann and Cameron Maybin each drove in three runs to lead the Astros in the win. McCann and Maybin also homered while Maybin added a triple as well.
MLB PREDICTIONS
The Astros have dominated the first two games of the series, scoring 25 runs while allowing just five. Houston has beat up some good pitchers in the two games and now faces Martinez, who has really been struggling. Verlander has looked dominant in his fourth starts with Houston and I don’t expect that to change today. Look for the Astros to cruise to another win.
MLB PREDICTIONS: HOUSTON ASTROS -195
