Free MLB Picks Today: Texas Rangers vs Houston Astros 7/2/23

Corey Seager will be looking to extend his 20-game on-base streak as the Texas Rangers (50-33) host the Houston Astros (45-38) at Globe Life Field on Sunday.

The Rangers evened the series 1-1 after winning 5-2 on Saturday, their third head-to-head victory in five games this season. Nathan Eovaldi threw seven scoreless innings for the win, and Will Smith threw 0.1 scoreless innings to pick up his 15th save.

Jonah Heim went 3 for 4 with two doubles and one run in the win. Marcus Semien also went 3 for 4 with one RBI. Kyle Tucker was 2 for 4 with a home run and two RBIs for the Astros.

ON THE MOUND

Lefty Andrew Heaney (5-5, 4.38 ERA) gets the start for Texas. He has made one prior start against the Astros this season, holding opposing hitters scoreless over five innings in a 9-1 road win on April 16.

He gave up two hits and walked three while striking out four in the no-decision. In his last start on Monday, Heaney took the loss at home against the Tigers.

He threw 5.2 innings and gave up six runs on six hits, striking out five and walking three in the 7-2 defeat.

AT THE PLATE

Over the last five games, Houston has averaged 6.6 runs a game, up from their season average of 4.6, while slashing better across the board (.277/.362/.468).

Against lefties like Heaney this season, the ‘Stros have a .743 OPS, the highest in MLB. Yordan Alvarez is the team’s most potent producer against left-handers with a .988 OPS in 71 at-bats. Texas is averaging 6.2 runs per game in the last five, up slightly from 5.9 for the season.

HOME AND AWAY

Houston is 23-19 in road games in 2023, scoring 4.9 runs per game while allowing 3.8 runs. Texas has gone 27-16 in front of their home fans this season, averaging 6.3 runs per game while surrendering 4.3.

Houston is 8-2 in the last 10 games at Globe Life Field between the AL West rivals with an average scoreline of 4.4-2.9.