Houston Looks for Ninth Straight Win in Game with Texas
On Saturday, the Battle for Texas takes place when the Houston Astros visit the Texas Rangers in an American League West showdown. The current line has Houston favored at-175, with Texas on +155 and the over/under run total on 9.
Entering the game, Houston is 39-16 overall and 19-6 on the road. Over their past 10 games played, the Astros are 9-1. Texas on the season is 26-29 overall and 17-11 at home. In their past 10 games played, the Rangers are 2-8.
The Astros are baseball’s best team and no other team in the AL West appears capable of challenging them. Houston looks to become the first team in the majors to win 40 games and extend their winning streak to nine consecutive on Saturday.
Earlier this week, Houston swept AL Central leading Minnesota and on Friday routed Texas 7-1. The Astros are already 12 ½ games in front of the Los Angeles Angels the second place team in the division. On the season, Houston is 18-6 against AL West opponents and 4-1 against Texas.
The Rangers are the defending champions of the AL West but have lost 8 of the past 10 overall. Of late, the only bright spot has been pitcher Andrew Cashner. The right-hander will start Saturday opposite Houston’s Lance McCullers Jr.
On the season, McCullers is 6-1 with an ERA of 2.48, while Cashner is 2-4 with an ERA of 2.92.
McCullers has not suffered a loss since last April and in May was 4-0 with an ERA of 0.99. That includes a run of four consecutive starts where he did not allow any earned runs.
Cashner last Sunday pitched seven innings, scattering five hits, and allowing just one run to defeat Toronto. The Texas right-hander has allowed two earned runs or less in seven of his past eight starts.
Cashner had a pitcher’s duel with McCullers on May 1 but lost after allowing two earned runs on three hits over six innings.
Houston shortstop Carlos Correa has 4 home runs and 13 RBIs over his past 8 games.
Texas third baseman Adrian Beltre debuted Monday and has batted .400 in the four games he has played since.
Houston is 4-0 in its past 4 games played on the road.
Texas is 9-3 in its past 12 games played at home.
Prediction: Houston looks very strong, while Texas has been mired in a slump. Lean here towards the Astros.
