Houston Astros vs. Texas Rangers Prediction, Picks and Preview – August 3, 2015

The Houston Astros (60-46) moved four games clear of the Los Angeles Angels at the top of the AL West standings with a 4-1 victory yesterday over the Arizona Diamondbacks. The Astros will look to stretch that advantage even further when they take on the Texas Rangers (51-53) in the opening game of their three-game set later tonight.

Who will emerge victorious in this matchup? Read on below for a breakdown of this crucial clash and while you’re at it you can check out our MLB previews of New York vs. Boston and Chicago vs. Pittsburgh.
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Houston Astros vs. Texas Rangers Preview

Where: Globe Life Park in Arlington, Arlington, Texas

When: Monday, August 3, 8:05 PM ET

Line: Houston Astros (-127) at Texas Rangers (+117); total: 9.0 – view all MLB lines

Betting on the New York Yankees

The Houston Astros extended their winning streak to two games with a 4-1 victory over the Arizona Diamondbacks on Sunday. Collin McHugh was superb once again for Houston, allowing just one run on eight hits in seven innings of action. The Astros will look to carry the momentum of that huge win tonight when they take on the Texas Rangers.

[sc:MLB240banner ]Pitching for the Astros in the series opener is right-hander Lance McCullers (5-3, 2.48 ERA). He was terrific in his last start against the Angels, throwing seven innings of one-run ball in Houston’s 6-3 victory on July 29. The Astros have won three of their last five games with McCullers as their starter. McCullers has been solid all season for Houston and has allowed just three earned runs or less in 12 of his first 13 career starts.

That being said, the Astros also need to pull their weight on the offensive end if they are to beat the Rangers in the series opener. The Houston offense will rely on the red-hot Jason Castro to carry them through tonight. He is 8-for-26 in his last seven games with two homers and six RBIs. He will have his work cut out for him, though, against Texas starter Colby Lewis. He is just 1-of-14 in his career against the right-hander.

One guy who has had some success against Lewis, though, is Jose Altuve. The second baseman is 6-for-20 (.300) lifetime against Lewis. He had two hits yesterday in Houston’s win against Arizona.

The total has gone under in the Astros’ last three road games.

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Betting on the Texas Rangers

The Texas Rangers returned to winning ways Sunday with a nerve-wracking 2-1 victory against the San Francisco Giants. Martin Perez finally earned his first win since coming back from Tommy John surgery, allowing just two hits in 8.1 innings of work. The Rangers, with the third-worst home record in the majors, have now found their groove at Globe Life Park. They have now won four of their last five home games.

The Rangers will look to continue their excellent home form when they take on the Houston Astros in their series opener tonight. Starting for Texas this evening is Colby Lewis (11-4, 4.42 ERA). Lewis has won three consecutive starts since the All-Star break after beating the New York Yankees, 5-2, on Wednesday. He’s now 7-1 in his last eight decisions.

He will fancy his chances against the Astros tonight as he has fared extremely well against them this season. He is 2-0 with a 2.78 ERA in three starts against the Astros this year. He is 4-1 with a 4.76 ERA in 10 starts at home this season.

He can’t do it all alone, though, and he needs the Texas hitters to pick up the scoring slack as well. The onus is on star outfielder Josh Hamilton to carry the offensive weight for the Rangers tonight. He is 6-for-25 in his last six games with one homer and six RBIs. He hit the game-winning two-run homer against San Francisco yesterday.

The Rangers are 5-5 in their last 10 home games.

Writer’s Prediction

Texas (+117) wins, 6-3.
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