The Houston Astros will look to pick up their second straight win over the Texas Rangers and tie the series when they collide at Globe Life Field for Game 4 of the ALCS.
Max Scherzer let the Rangers down in Game 3 with a disappointing start but Texas will look to Andrew Heaney to steady the ship in our MLB picks — an interesting decision given that the southpaw hasn’t pitched since Game 1 of the ALDS.
Will Heaney help Texas take a 3-1 lead and advance one step further in the World Series odds, or can Houston knot the series at 2-2? Find out as we dissect the latest MLB odds in our MLB playoff predictions for Astros vs. Rangers on Thursday, October 19.
Astros vs Rangers odds
Astros vs Rangers Game 4 odds
Astros vs Rangers series odds
Astros
RangersAstros vs Rangers predictions
After a sluggish start to the series where the Houston Astros got shut out in Game 1, the Astros bats finally woke up in Game 3, putting up five runs in just four innings on Max Scherzer, en route to an 8-5 win. Usual suspects Jose Altuve (1 HR, 1 RBI) and Yordan Alvarez (2 RBI) did their part but it was the bottom of the Astros order that made the difference as Mauricio Dubon, Jeremy Pena, and Martin Maldonado combined for four RBI.
While a lot of the blame will go on Scherzer for the loss, the Texas Rangers didn’t have much going offensively as Josh Jung (2 HR, 4 RBI) carried the bulk of the load while only three other players managed to record a hit.
There could be a different feel to tonight’s game as Andrew Heaney gets the start for Texas — a bit of a surprise given that the left-hander hasn’t pitched since Game 1 of the ALDS, which was 12 days ago, plus the fact that he’s made just two starts in his last eight outings overall.
If one thing is for certain, it’s that both clubs possess powerful offenses, with the Rangers ranking third (5.44 runs per game) and the Astros coming in fifth (5.08) in scoring this season. These teams also love to put up runs against one another, cashing the Over in eight of their last 10 meetings.
With Heaney looking like a potential wild card for the Rangers and the Astros bats finally awake, I think we could see another high-scoring battle on Thursday.
My best bet: Over 9.5 runs (-108 at DraftKings)
Not intended for use in MA.
Affiliate Disclosure: Covers may receive advertising commissions for visits to a sportsbook or betting site.
Astros vs Rangers same-game parlay
Over 9.5 runs (-110)
Yordan Alvarez 1+ RBI (+145)
Josh Jung 2+ total bases (+140)
On top of taking the Over on 9.5 runs, I’ll round out tonight’s same-game parlay by banking on a couple of hitters to stay hot for their respective teams.
Alvarez has been mashing at the plate with a team-high 11 hits, six homers, and 10 RBI through just seven games this postseason. The Astros slugger has multiple RBI in two straight contests and has driven in at least one run in five of seven games this postseason, so I’ll look for him to pick up another RBI in Game 4.
Lastly, I’ll look for Jung to have another big night for the Rangers with a multi-base performance. The third baseman popped off for eight bases thanks to two home runs in Game 3 and leads Texas with 25 total bases this postseason — nine more than anyone else on the team. He’s also posted at least two bases in five of his last seven outings.
Learn how to bet a same-game parlay with these helpful tips and strategies.
Best MLB bonuses
All Users
25% profit boost on one MLB bet today! Claim Now
All Users
30% profit boost on one MLB SGP today! Claim Now
Eligible USA locations only. Also, see our full list of best sportsbook promotions for 2023.
21+. Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER
Astros vs Rangers moneyline and Over/Under analysis
The Rangers opened as the home favorite at -110 but some oddsmakers see this one as a pick'em, with the Astros line moving to -110 by this morning. With Heaney getting the start for the Rangers and Jose Urquidy countering for the Astros, I can see why the line has been shifting.
Urquidy wasn’t fantastic this year but has turned it up down the stretch, ending the regular season with nine scoreless innings over two appearances and holding the Twins to just three hits and two earned runs over 5 2/3 innings in Game 4 of the ALDS — his only start of the postseason.
Heaney, meanwhile, was roughed up in his last two appearances against the Astros this season, allowing nine hits and six earned runs over just 9 2/3 innings.
Tonight’s total opened at 9.5 runs and as discussed, I am going with the Over. Texas has cashed the Over in three of its last four games while scoring at least five runs in three of those contests, while the Over is 5-2 in Houston’s last seven outings.
Trend to know
Houston is 7-0 in its last seven road games. Find more MLB betting trends for Astros vs. Rangers
Kentucky: Mobile sports betting is live!
Check out the best Kentucky sportsbook promos, with a number of odds boosts and offers available!
Kentucky sports betting launched online wagering on October 28 — review our list of the best Kentucky sports betting apps for making your first online bets in the Bluegrass State!
21+ and present in KY. Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER
Astros vs Rangers game info
| Location: | Globe Life Field, Arlington, TX |
| Date: | Thursday, October 19, 2023 |
| First pitch: | 8:03 p.m. ET |
| TV: | FS1 |
Starting pitchers
Jose Urquidy (1-0, 3.18 ERA): After posting a bloated 5.29 ERA during an injury-riddled regular season, Urquidy returned to his usual dependable form in Game 4 of the ALDS. The right-hander has historically been a strong postseason performer, holding a 3.64 ERA over 13 appearances in his career.
Andrew Heaney (0-0, 2.45 ERA): Heaney lasted just 3 2/3 innings against the Orioles in Game 1 of the ALDS but held them to just two hits and one earned run in a no-decision. The southpaw was pulled from the Rangers’ starting rotation in early September, posting a 4.15 ERA over 34 games in the regular season.
Latest injuries
Weather
Stay updated with the latest picks, odds, and news! Tap the 
to add us to your favorites on Google News to never miss a story.
