Texas Rangers at Houston Astros Game 1 Betting Pick
The first clash of the American League Championship Series is here, and it features two Texan powerhouses, the Texas Rangers squaring off against the Houston Astros.
These two teams are no strangers to each other, having faced off multiple times during the American League West schedule. The season saw them both ending with identical records of 90-72. However, Houston clinched the tiebreaker thanks to their superior head-to-head season series performance against the Rangers.
As we head into Game 1, the Houston Astros are the favored team, boasting odds of -144, with the game’s total runs set at 8.5. But don’t underestimate the underdog, the Texas Rangers, with odds at +122.
High-Octane Offenses Collide
The Houston Astros didn’t need a barrage of runs to secure their series victory against the Twins, scoring just an average of 5 runs per game. However, their offensive potential is immense, capable of erupting at any moment. Their pitching was equally impressive, allowing just 13 runs throughout the series.
In the regular season, the Astros were the fifth-highest-scoring team in Major League Baseball, accumulating 827 runs. The team boasted a collective batting average of .259. Kyle Tucker had an exceptional regular season with a .284 batting average and 112 runs batted in. In the postseason, Yordan Alvarez has hit four home runs, and Jose Abreu has gone deep three times while driving in 8 runs.
Taking the mound for the Texas Rangers is Justin Verlander, who gets the nod for the Houston Astros. At 40 years old, Verlander boasts a season record of 13-8 and a 3.22 earned run average.
In the divisional series, Verlander pitched six innings and struck out six batters. During the regular season, he made 27 starts and tallied 144 strikeouts over 162 innings.
Rangers Also Can Hit Across Lineup
The Texas Rangers were in stellar form, winning all three games against the Baltimore Orioles and notching a total of 21 runs. During the regular season, they were the third-highest-scoring team, tallying 881 runs with a .263 batting average.
Adolis Garcia was a standout, blasting 39 home runs and driving in 107 runs, while Corey Seager led the team with a .327 average. In the postseason, it’s Seager who continues to shine with a .429 average, two home runs from Garcia, and seven runs batted in from Mitch Garver.
On the hill for the Texas Rangers is Jordan Montgomery. The former St. Louis Cardinals left-hander, who was traded at the deadline, had a regular season record of 10-11. Montgomery’s season was split between St. Louis and the Rangers, during which he made 32 starts and pitched for 188.2 innings while striking out 166 batters.
In the postseason, Montgomery has thrown 11 innings, giving up 15 hits and four runs, with seven strikeouts. He secured a win in his start against the Rays but recorded a no decision against Baltimore.
Astros Prevail in Game 1
This promises to be an enthralling postseason clash between two red-hot teams. Remarkably, the Rangers have yet to taste defeat in the playoffs, while the Astros suffered a minor hiccup against the Twins.
Both teams closed the regular season strongly. As they meet in Game 1, we’re leaning towards the seasoned Justin Verlander and his Houston Astros to come out on top.
We predict the Astros will secure the win and take a 1-0 lead in the series. With their experience, they’re primed for another successful postseason run.
Place your bets on the Houston Astros at -144 against the Texas Rangers this Sunday. Enjoy the game!
