Astros aim to halt Rangers’ roll
Owners of the American League’s best record, the Rangers are capable of pounding any opponent that waltzes into Global Life Park. That’s doubly true when it comes to the Astros.
Texas tries to extend a dominant stretch over Houston when the two teams collide tonight, with an 8:05 p.m. ET first pitch in the Lone Star State. Oddsmakers at online sports book Bovada.lv prefer Jeff Banister’s gang by a small margin, whereas A.J. Hinch’s troops enter as -102 underdogs. The over/under run total holds steady at 9.5.
After sweeping division rival Seattle, the Rangers sit at 34-22. They’ve also outscored the Stros 29-14 in six meetings this year. Colby Lewis (5-0, 3.09 ERA), who surrendered just two base knocks in Tuesday’s 7-3 victory over Cleveland, draws this evening’s assignment. He is 9-0 with a 2.37 ERA in his last 11 vs. Houston.
Hinch responds with Mike Fiers (3-3, 4.84), he of the 0-1 career mark against Texas. The veteran righty has permitted two runs or fewer in four of the past five starts. He must pay special attention to Jurickson Profar in several hours, though. The former top prospect owns a .390 batting average since being promoted from Class AAA Round Rock on May 27.
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In the end, the Rangers’ terrific balance gives them the benefit of the doubt. Despite the Astros’ (28-30) hot-hitting ways of late, the hosts stand poised to push that AL West advantage to four games. Go with Lewis, Profar and the rest of the crew.
MONDAY MLB FREE PICK: RANGERS -1.5
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