The Texas Rangers pulled off a Game 1 upset by beating Justin Verlander and the Houston Astros 2-0. On Monday afternoon, the Stros hope to bounce back and even the series. Houston sends one of their top starters, Framber Valdez, to the mound to take on Nathan Eovaldi and the Rangers. Will Texas put the clamps on Houston’s offense like they did in Game 1? Or will Valdez lead the Astros to a Game 2 win? Check out MLB odds, analysis, and free picks for Rangers at Astros.

Texas Rangers vs. Houston Astros 2023 MLB ALCS Game 2 Information

The @Rangers blank the Astros to take #ALCS Game 1! #Postseason pic.twitter.com/EHwwBaeH9a

— MLB (@MLB) October 16, 2023

• When: Monday, October 16, 2023, 4:37 PM ET
• Where: Minute Maid Park, Houston, TX
• TV: FOX
• Radio: 105.3 The Fan (Rangers) // SportsTalk 790 (Astros)
• Live Stream: MLB.tv
• MLB Odds: Rangers (+102) // Astros (-120)

Why bet on the Texas Rangers?

In his last 2 starts, Nathan Eovaldi has been unreal. The Houston Astros’ pitcher went into Tampa Bay on October 4, threw 6.2 innings, and allowed a single run off 6 hits while striking out 8.

Then in his next playoff start, Eovaldi threw even better, going 7 innings and allowing a single run off 5 hits. The last start happened on October 10. So Nathan has had plenty of rest to get his arm ready to take on the powerful Houston Astros.

Why bet on the Houston Astros?

After playing excellent baseball in their series versus the Minnesota Twins, the Astros bats cooled off big time. The Stros produced just 5 hits in 31 at-bats.

A lot of the cooling off had to do with scorching Jordan Montgomery, the Texas Rangers’ starter. Montgomery has huge experience versus the Stros.

So does Nathan Eovaldi, but the difference is that the last time Houston lost, they came back and beat the Twins 9-1. So we should expect a more focused Astros lineup on Tuesday.

Rangers vs. Astros Betting Trends

• Texas is 6-0 SU in the last 6 games.
• Rangers are 5-0 SU in its last 5 games on the road.
• The total went under in 6 of Texas’ last 8 games.
• Houston is 7-2 SU in the last 9 games.
• Astros are 1-5 SU in its last 6 games at home.
• he total went over in 4 of Houston’s last 5 games against Texas.

Rangers vs. Astros 2023 MLB ALCS Game 2 Betting Prediction

Jordan Montgomery shut down the Stros in Game 1, but we shouldn’t expect Nathan Eovaldi to do the same.

Eovaldi doesn’t have the stats versus Houston to support a Rangers victory. Nathan throws okay, but he gives up a .310 batting average. Jose Altuve has gone 11-of-38 with 5 home runs versus Eovaldi.

Yordan Alvarez is 8-of-11 versus the Texas starter for a .727 average. Alex Bregman is 8-of-19 for an over .400 average and Martin Maldanado is 5-of-15 for a .333 average.

Not only has Houston gotten to Eovaldi but the Rangers have struggled versus Framber Valdez. The Houston starter has allowed a .251 batting average from 187 at-bats. Valdez has allowed the Rangers to hit 4 home runs and has struck out 38-of-187.

Also, Houston’s backs are against the wall. Both Sonny Gray and ace Max Scherzer are healthy enough to start when the series switches back to Texas. The Stros have to win this game to keep their ALCS hopes alive. Astros get it done.

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