The Silver Boot is up for grabs today when the Houston Astros and Texas Rangers meet in the rubber game of their 13-game season series.
Houston starter Yusei Kikuchi has been a strikeout machine with mixed results this season and my Astros vs. Rangers predictions expect the home side will be ready for him.
Find out why my MLB picks like Texas' struggling bats to come alive today at Globe Life Field.
Astros vs Rangers prediction
My best bet
Rangers moneyline (+100 at DraftKings)
My analysis
The Silver Boot is the prize this afternoon when the Houston Astros meet the Texas Rangers for the 13th and final time this season.
These clubs have split their previous 12 meetings — this series is always a tough battle for both franchises, and today’s ballgame should be a good one.
Newly acquired Astros lefty Yusei Kikuchi gets the nod for the second time since coming over in a trade-deadline move with Toronto. His first home start went well with Kikuchi scattering three hits, 11 punch outs, and a pair of earned runs across 5 2/3 frames in the Astros' 3-2 triumph over Tampa Bay.
Kikuchi is striking out a batter per stanza but has demonstrated command issues, issuing two or more free passes in five of his last six starts while coughing up six bombs, which could cause the lefty a few problems today.
The Rangers offense has been inconsistent this season — they were one-hit yesterday by Framber Valdez and have only scored 21 runs across their past five — but they should cross the plate a few times today, in part due to their 10th-ranked walk rate vs. southpaws (8.8%). And Kikuchi has been less impressive than Valdez this season and throughout their respective careers.
That leaves it up to righty Jose Urena to stymie the Astros' sticks. Urena has terrific home splits this season — allowing only 12 earned runs with five bombs across 42 1/3 frames at Globe Life.
Texas hasn’t won the Silver Boot since 2017, but I expect the Rangers bats to grab an early lead, and for Urena and the Texas bullpen to dominate today's season series finale
Astros vs Rangers same-game parlay (SGP)
Rangers moneyline
Yusei Kikuchi Under 16.5 outs
Yusei Kikuchi Over 1.5 walks
Yes, we are picking on Kikuchi today.
He’s failed to clear his innings prop in three of his last six starts and has averaged only 14.7 outs across his previous 10. Walks and home runs have been the culprits, and they meet a Rangers offense that has showcased patience in these matchups.
That’s why I like the Rangers to win the Silver Boot. The Texas bats have a terrific opportunity, but I also like how the Rangers bullpen is throwing. They've recorded 11 holds with just one blown save across their last 72 frames.
Learn how to bet a same-game parlay with these helpful tips and strategies.
Astros vs Rangers odds
Astros vs Rangers live odds
Astros vs Rangers opening odds
- Run line: Houston -1.5 (+135) | Texas +1.5 (-160)
- Moneyline: Houston -120 | Texas +100
- Over/Under: Over 9 (-110) | Under 9 (-110)
Astros vs Rangers spread and Over/Under analysis
- Houston is a slight favorite, but some money came in on Texas. Astros ML backers are down $644 when the ‘Stros hit from the visitors' dugout.
- Texas is 31-26 as the home team.
- Over 9 bettors are paying as low as –105 while Under 9 (-110) is the best price.
Astros vs Rangers trend
The Texas Rangers have hit the Moneyline in 15 of their last 22 games at home (+6.75 Units / 22% ROI). Find more MLB betting trends for Astros vs. Rangers.
Astros vs Rangers game info
| Location: | Globe Life Field, Arlington, TX |
| Date: | Wednesday, 8-7-2024 |
| First pitch: | 2:35 p.m. ET |
| TV: | SCHN, Bally Sports Southwest |
| Astros starting pitcher: | Yusei Kikuchi (4-9, 4.67 ERA) |
| Rangers starting pitcher: | Jose Urena (3-6, 3.70 ERA) |
Astros vs Rangers latest injuries
Astros vs Rangers weather
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