Rangers vs Astros predictions
Looking at the Texas Rangers lineup for this rubber match, I'm really keeping my eye on Josh Smith, who has been sneaky good at the plate lately—don’t be surprised if he picks up a couple of hits and finds his way on base more than once. Adolis Garcia, with his powerful bat, always feels like he’s just one pitch away from turning the tide; I like him to drive in at least a run tonight, maybe even muscle one out of Daikin Park. On the mound, Nathan Eovaldi is in line for a solid outing—he’s the kind of guy who can eat up innings and keep the bullpen fresh, and I’d expect something in the ballpark of 5 to 6 innings with a handful of punchouts. If guys like Corey Seager and Wyatt Langford can keep getting on base and maybe swipe a bag or two, the Rangers could string together some offense and keep the pressure on the Astros’ pitching.
Switching gears to the Houston Astros, the action starts with Jose Altuve at the top of the order. He’s been a constant presence all season, and I wouldn’t be shocked to see him rack up a couple of hits and score a run or two—he just does those things. Isaac Paredes has shown he can leave the yard with authority, so he’s definitely got a shot at a homer, and Yainer Diaz, coming into his own a bit, feels good for an extra-base hit and some solid contact throughout the night. On the bump, Hunter Brown looks primed for one of those outings where he strikes out his fair share and limits the damage across five innings or so, setting things up for a strong finish from the Astros’ bullpen. Even without Jeremy Pena in the lineup, this Houston team always seems to find players who can step up and drive in runs.
When you tie it all together, the edge tonight feels like it tilts Houston’s way. Between the way their lineup keeps grinding out at-bats and how tough they play at home—just look at their solid 33-18 record in their own ballpark—they feel a bit more dangerous heading into the final game of the series. The Rangers are going to put up a fight, that’s for sure, but expect the Astros to squeeze out a close one, especially if their offense can get going early and Hunter Brown deals the way he’s capable. In these rivalry matchups, home field and bullpen depth often matter just that little bit more, and that’s why I’m leaning Houston to take the series.
