Rangers vs. Astros Pick ALCS Game 1

Texas Rangers vs. Houston Astros
Date: Sunday, October 15th, 8:15 ET
Location: Minute Maid Park
TV: FOX
Money Line: Rangers +118/Astros -140
Total Line: 8.5

Betting Preview

Here’s our betting preview for the upcoming MLB clash between the Houston Astros and the Rangers on Sunday, October 15th at Minute Maid Park. 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

Rangers vs. Astros Projected Lineup

	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
Jordan Montgomery	–	SP




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




Straight Up/Over-Under/ Runline Record

Texas Rangers: 90-72 SU / OU 86-74 / Runline 93-74
Houston Astros: 90-72 SU / OU 87-74 / Runline 84-82

The Rangers head into today’s game in first place in the AL West on a record of 90-72. Over their last ten games, they have put together an above .500 record of 7-3. At home, Texas is 50-31 and 40-41 on the road. Their overall series record comes in at 31-19-2.

• The Rangers have covered the runline in seven straight games and have a season-long run margin of 1.1.
• The Rangers have been favored in 66.5% of their games and have runline records of 46-36 and 47-38 at home and on the road, respectively
• The over has hit in 54% of the Rangers’ 162 games at 86-74.

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 27-19-5.

• The Astros have covered the runline in two straight games and have a season-long run margin of 0.8.
• The Astros have been favored in 72.3% of their games and have runline records of 34-49 and 50-33 at home and on the road, respectively
• The over has hit in 54% of the Astros’ 162 games at 87-74.

Pitching Matchup




Entering with a record of 10-11, Jordan Montgomery is making his 35th appearance of the season. So far, he has an ERA of 3.20 on a batting average allowed of .242. On the road, he is 4-6 with a 3.28 ERA and 7-5 at home on an ERA of 4.24. For the season, teams have a slugging percentage of .386 against him.

Giving up five runs and nine hits during his last appearance against the Orioles, Jordan Montgomery did not factor into the decision. Yet, the Rangers managed to win the game by a score of 11-8.




Entering with a record of 13-8, Justin Verlander is making his 29th appearance of the season. So far, he has an ERA of 3.22 on a batting average allowed of .223. On the road, he is 7-3 with a 3.69 ERA and 7-5 at home on an ERA of 3.17. For the season, teams have a slugging percentage of .364 against him.

Verlander picked up the win in his most recent outing, as he gave up zero earned runs and four hits across six innings vs. the Twins. The Astros won the game by a score of 6-4.

Rangers vs. Astros Offense Outlook

The Rangers have played 167 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 Hitters On The Road




Texas Rangers Top Hitters: Last Five Games




The Astros have played 166 games this season and currently hold a 5th position in the league with an average of 5.1 runs per game. In terms of home runs, they have gone deep 222 times, putting Houston 6th in the league. Their batting average stands at .259, including .258 on the road and .245 at home.

Houston Astros Team Hitting Stats




Houston Astros Top Hitters: Last Five Games




Free MLB Pick

In game one of the ALCS, the Astros are the favorite on the moneyline. This post-season has been the story of the underdogs, and I see the Rangers to continue their hot hitting against Justin Verlander. I like the Rangers on the moneyline.