Nathan Eovaldi, one of this season’s toughest pitchers, is set to take the mound for the Texas Rangers (+155) as they face off against the Houston Astros (-185) at Globe Life Field on Saturday. The early total was set at 8 with the under a -115 favorite.
The Astros (45-37) took Friday’s series opener 5-3, their second head-to-head victory in four games this season. Starter Ronel Blanco went five innings for the win, allowing three runs on four hits, and Ryan Pressly earned his 16th save with a scoreless ninth. Chas McCormick was 2 for 4 with one run in the win. Josh Jung went 1 for 3 with a solo home run for the Rangers (49-33).
ON THE MOUND
Hunter Brown (6-4, 3.62 ERA) is set to get the start for Houston. The RHP allowed one run over six innings in his last start, a 6-5 road win over the Dodgers on Sunday. He scattered three hits while striking out seven and walking two in the no-decision.
Brown has made one previous start against the Rangers this season, an 8-2 home victory on April 15. He surrendered two runs on five hits over seven innings, striking out five and walking one. RHP Eovaldi (9-3, 2.82 ERA) will take the mound for Texas.
It’s his first appearance of the season against the Astros. Eovaldi made two appearances against the Astros in 2022, both starts, striking out six and walking two over eight innings (1-1, 6.75).
In his last start on Sunday, Eovaldi took a no-decision on the road against the Yankees. He threw 5.2 innings and gave up two runs on four hits, striking out five and walking two in the 5-3 defeat. The RHP is tied for second in the AL in wins and fifth in ERA.
AT THE PLATE
Over the last five games, Houston has averaged 7.4 runs a game, up from their season average of 4.7, while slashing better across the board (.290/.362/.484).
Against righties like Eovaldi this season, the ‘Stros have a .720 OPS. Yordan Alvarez has the team’s best on-base percentage against right-handers at .405 over 234 at-bats.
Texas is averaging only 5.6 runs per game in the last five, down slightly from 5.9 for the season. The Rangers have a .782 OPS against right-handers in 2023, the fourth highest in the league. With a .508 slugging percentage over 214 at-bats, Adolis Garcia has been their best power hitter against right-handers.
HOME AND AWAY
Houston is on a three-game winning streak in road games, bringing their record to 23-18 in 2023. The ‘Stros have scored 4.9 runs per game away from home while allowing 3.7 runs.
Texas has gone 26-16 at home this season, averaging 6.3 runs per game while surrendering 4.3. Houston is 8-2 in the last 10 games between the AL West rivals at Globe Life Field with an average scoreline of 4.4-3.0.
STANDINGS UPDATE
The Rangers lead the AL West by four games over the Astros.
SportsTips’ MLB Pick:
Texas Rangers (-140)
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*Odds correct at time of publication, courtesy of BetMGM.
