Houston Astros (94-75) vs. Texas Rangers (97-73)
Houston Astros vs. Texas Rangers 10/20/23 – The race for the American League Championship Series is heating up as the Houston Astros and the Texas Rangers go head to head for Game 5 with the series tied at 2-2. The Astros, with a 94-75 record, are looking to prove their mettle, while the Rangers, who have maintained a slightly better 97-73 standing, are keen to extend their lead. This clash promises to be a thrilling encounter, and for those seeking no-cost expert MLB predictions, you’re in for a treat.
The Houston Astros have had an outstanding season. Their impressive batting average of 0.259 has helped them score 827 runs off 1441 hits for an on-base percentage of 0.331; their impressive power-hitting abilities with 222 homers and an slugging percentage of 0.437 as well as pitching performance with an ERA of 3.94 often get them out of tight spots.
On the other hand, Texas Rangers boast an improved batting average of 0.263 that stands as testament to their consistent hitting. Their bats have been hot all season, scoring 881 runs with 1470 hits and hitting 233 homers; their on-base percentage stands impressively at 0.337 while slugging percentage stands at 0.452; however their pitchers have an increased ERA of 4.28 which indicates need for improvement defensively.
Houston Astros vs. Texas Rangers 10/20/23 Game Info
| When: | Friday, October 20, 2023 at 5:07 PM ET |
| Where: | Globe Life Field |
| TV: | FS1 |
| Stream: | MLB.TV |
Justin Verlander (1-1 W-L, 1.42 ERA) vs. Jordan Montgomery (2-0 W-L, 2.08 ERA)
Justin Verlander will lead off for the Astros this game with an outstanding 1-1 record and an ERA of 1.42 during this postseason. With 12.2 innings under his belt, Verlander has shown both finesse and control by only allowing 10 hits while striking out 11 batters while conceding only one home run. Verlander’s experience combined with his arsenal of pitches such as fastball and changeup is unrivalled; yet with pressure mounting from an even series matchup and facing a formidable Rangers batting lineup it will be critical that he finds his rhythm early while maintaining stamina over 12 innings.
On the Rangers side, Jordan Montgomery will lead their pitching effort. Boasting an outstanding record and an ERA of 2.08, Montgomery has been absolutely incredible this postseason – pitching 17.1 innings while giving up 20 hits, fanning 13 batters, and only giving up one home run! His ability to deceive batters with curveballs and sliders gives him an advantage against power hitters from Houston; but keeping his composure under pressure situations will be crucial as Texas looks for an advantage in this series.
MLB Odds/Point Spread: Texas Rangers -108, Total Odds: 8.5
With the Rangers having a slight edge in the moneyline at -108, bettors might lean towards Texas given their current form. However, considering the strong performances from both teams, this game could be anybody’s.
Houston Astros Betting Trends
Houston’s recent form and trends reveal an affinity for high-scoring games. The total has gone OVER in six of their last eight games overall and in all six road contests against Texas; their 9-3 straight-up record against them speaks volumes about their dominance in this matchup.
Texas Rangers Betting Trends
The Rangers have also contributed to high-scoring affairs against Houston, with seven out of their last eight games going over. Their 7-2 straight-up record over their last nine contests highlights their remarkable form, while their 8-3 record against American League opponents reinforces this claim.
Houston Astros vs. Texas Rangers 10/20/23 Betting Picks
Given the recent form and historical matchups, this promises to be a high-scoring affair. Both teams have shown remarkable form and have a penchant for the OVER.
For those looking for a definitive pick, while the Rangers seem to have a slight edge, the Astros’ recent dominance over Texas might tilt the balance in their favor. For the premium over/under picks, the OVER at 8.5 seems like a safe bet considering both teams’ recent trends.
Free Pick and Prediction: Houston Astros 5, Texas Rangers 4.