In the first of a four-game series between the Texas Rangers (75-67) and the Houston Astros (77-66) at Globe Life Park in Arlington, Cole Hamels (9-8, 3.76 ERA) and Scott Kazmir (7-10, 2.63 ERA) get the ball. The game starts at 8:05 p.m. ET on Monday, Sep. 14 and will air on FSSW and RTSW.
In his last start, Hamels pitched 7.0 innings, allowing four runs, striking out three and walking one in a 9-6 victory over the Mariners. Rougned Odor (.270, 43 Rs, 13 HRs, 51 RBIs, 5 SBs) played well again yesterday, going 2 for 5 with one run, one home run, and three RBIs. The Astros were unsuccessful the last time Kazmir pitched. He did not do well, pitching 6.0 innings, allowing four runs, striking out three and walking two in a 4-0 loss to the Athletics. George Springer (.262, 49 Rs, 13 HRs, 29 RBIs, 14 SBs) has been doing well, going 3 for 5 yesterday with one run.
Texas is a -130 favorite in this game and the Over/Under (O/U) is set at eight runs. When playing as the favorite, the Rangers have an 18-14 record and overall money line at +2,270. They have a 24-34 record SU and are 6-6 as favorite within their division. The Rangers will be looking to pick it up in this one after recent offensive struggles. In the last 10 games, Texas has only averaged 2.7 runs per game compared to the 4.3 they’ve averaged on the season.
On the other side, the Astros have a record of 30-29 when they are the underdog and are +153 overall with the money line. Over the last 10 games, they were winless as the underdog with a 0-1 record and 3-7 SU. The Astros are known for their bats, hitting 454 extra base hits. The Astros have racked up 106 steals on the year, making them one of the most threatening base-running teams in the league. The Astros are a problem for opposing batters, sporting an AL-low 3.34 ERA this season. They have a WHIP of 1.18 on the year, good for second in the league.
The Rangers have mostly come out on top against the Astros in their previous 12 games this season, earning an 8-4 record. The Rangers will take on a left-hander (Kazmir) in this game and have a 24-27 record against left-handed starting pitchers this season. The left-handed Hamels will take the mound against the Astros, who have a 26-23 record against lefty starters this season.
Predictions: SU Winner – Hou, O/U – Over
Notes
Texas recorded at least two errors for the 22nd time this season.
The Rangers managed to give up six walks in their last game. They’ll have to pick it up against the Astros who are coming in with a 10-3 record against opponents who give up that many walks or more.
When they are outhit, the Astros are 13-46. The Rangers have an 18-51 record when opponents outhit them.
Texas ranks in the top half of the league at 13th when it comes to home runs, hitting 146 this season. Houston ranks in the top five at second with 197.
Ranking 14th, Houston is in the top half of the league in hits, notching 8.17 per game. Texas ranks in the top 10 at ninth with 8.57.
Ranking 13th, Texas is in the top half of the league for its on-base plus slugging percentage (.727). Houston ranks in the top 10 at ninth with an OPS of .737.
The Astros are 29-45 in games where they allow one or more home runs. The Rangers are 37-51 when they allow at least one homer.
