Houston Astros vs. Texas Rangers ALCS Game 3 Prediction

Houston Astros vs. Texas Rangers
Date: Wednesday, October 18th, 8:03 ET
Location: Globe Life Field
TV: FS1
Money Line: Astros +110/Rangers -133
Total Line: 9

Betting Preview

Here’s our betting preview for the upcoming MLB clash between the Texas Rangers and the Astros on Wednesday, October 18th at Globe Life Field. We provide you with a comprehensive analysis, odds, and predictions to help with your handicapping decision or tail our expert based on the projected lineups and listed starting pitchers.

Betting Odds

Astros vs. Rangers Projected Lineup

	Batting Order	Position
Jose Altuve	1	2B
Alex Bregman	2	3B
Yordan Alvarez	3	DH
Kyle Tucker	4	RF
José Abreu	5	1B
Michael Brantley	6	LF
Chas McCormick	7	CF
Jeremy Peña	8	SS
Martín Maldonado	9	C
Cristian Javier	–	SP




	Batting Order	Position
Marcus Semien	1	2B
Corey Seager	2	SS
Mitch Garver	3	DH
Adolis García	4	RF
Evan Carter	5	LF
Jonah Heim	6	C
Nathaniel Lowe	7	1B
Josh Jung	8	3B
Leody Taveras	9	CF
Max Scherzer	–	SP




Straight Up/Over-Under/ Runline Record

Houston Astros: 90-72 SU / OU 88-75 / Runline 84-84
Texas Rangers: 90-72 SU / OU 87-75 / Runline 95-74

On a record of 90-72, the Astros are tied for first place in the AL West. Against the Rangers, they will be seeking their 5th straight win. On the road, they have a record of 51-30 while going 39-42 at home. Houston’s overall series record is 27-20-5.

• The Astros have two straight losses vs. the runline and have a season-long run margin of 0.8.
• The Astros have been favored in 72.6% of their games and have runline records of 34-51 and 50-33 at home and on the road, respectively
• The over has hit in 54% of the Astros’ 162 games at 88-75.

The Rangers head into today’s game in first place in the AL West on a record of 90-72. Over their last five games, they have put together an above .500 record of 5-0. At home, Texas is 50-31 and 40-41 on the road. Their overall series record comes in at 33-18-2.

• The Rangers have covered the runline in nine straight games and have a season-long run margin of 1.1.
• The Rangers have been favored in 65.7% of their games and have runline records of 46-36 and 49-38 at home and on the road, respectively
• The over has hit in 54% of the Rangers’ 162 games at 87-75.

Pitching Matchup




Starter Cristian Javier comes in with an overall record of 10-5 for the Astros. Having made 32 appearances, his ERA is 4.56 and he has a K/9 figure of 8.83. Additionally, he has a FIP of 4.58 and an OBP of .296.

Cristian Javier’s most recent appearance ended with him allowing zero runs allowed on one hit to the Twins. For the game, Javier picked up the win as the Astros won by a score of 9-1.




The Rangers will turn to starter Max Scherzer who has an overall record of 13-6. After 27 appearances, his ERA is 3.77 and he has a K/9 figure of 10.26. Also, he has compiled a FIP of 4.32 and an OBP of .277.

Texas is hoping that Max Scherzer can help guide them to another win, as they defeated the Blue Jays (6-3) the last time he pitched. He finished the game with zero earned runs on three hits across 5 1/3 innings.

Astros vs. Rangers Offense Outlook

The Astros have proven to be one of the best home run hitting teams this season, having hit 222 home runs (6th). In terms of overall run production, Houston is averaging 5.1 runs per game on collective batting average of .259. At home, their slugging percentagee is .403 compared to .444 on the road.

Houston Astros Top Hitters On The Road




Houston Astros Top Hitters: Last Five Games




The Rangers have played 169 games and are currently ranked 3rd in the league, averaging 5.4 runs per game. Texas ranks 3rd in home runs, (233) and have a collective batting average of .263, including .248 on the road and .268 at home.

Texas Rangers Top Bats




Texas Rangers Top Hitters: Last Five Games




Free MLB Pick

The Rangers are in a great spot heading into game three. Not only are they up 2-0 and playing at home, but they have Max Scherzer taking the mound. However, it’s tough to get a read on how Scherzer will pitch, as he hasn’t taken the mound since September 12th. It’s hard to believe that the Rangers will be able to cruise this easily to the World Series, I’m taking the Astros on the moneyline.