Houston Astros vs Texas Rangers Prediction & Betting Tips - MLB

Prediction published on 23/10/2023, 11:46  by Joseph King | Modified on 23/10/2023 at 12:27 in Baseball Predictions

It’s win or go home in the ALCS as we enter into game seven as the Houston Astros host the Texas Rangers. The winner advances to the World Series where they will take on either the Philadelphia Phillies or the Arizona Diamondbacks to decide the championship. The defending champion Houston Astros have a chance to become the first back-to-back World Series winners since the Yankees dynasty of the late 90s. Meanwhile, a win for Texas would represent the first time the ball club has made it to the World Series since 2011 and a chance to win their first ever championship.

The Astros came storming back in this series after it looked like they might be sent home early due to losing games one and two at home. They would respond by winning three straight on the road to take a 3-2 lead back to Houston with a chance to close out the series. However, as has been the theme of this series, the road team would prevail yet again as the Rangers ran out 9-2 winners to extend their season. The result meant an end to the ‘Stros three game winning streak and signified their fourth loss at home in five playoff games. Cristian Javier gets the nod for Houston and is 2-0 in the playoffs with a 1.69 ERA.

The Rangers will now be tasked with winning on the road for a fourth time this series if they are to progress to the championship round. Texas have been excellent in this postseason, sweeping both the Tampa Bay Rays 2-0 and the Baltimore Orioles 3-0 in the previous rounds. They had yet to lose ahead of the ALCS and were a perfect 7-0 in the playoffs. Texas blasted three home runs in the game six victory and got six solid innings from Nathan Eovaldi. As for game seven, Texas will turn to veteran Max Scherzer who is 0-1 in the playoffs with an ugly 11.25 ERA.