Astros vs Rangers Game 1 Prediction, Odds & ALCS Best Bets 10/15
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Astros vs Rangers Prediction, Odds & Player Props ALCS Game 1
- ⭐ First inning Over 0.5 Runs (+120) at BetMGM
- ⭐ Kyle Tucker Over 0.5 Hits (-235) at FanDuel
- ⭐ Houston Astros -1.5 (-150) at Draftkings
The Houston Astros will host the Texas Rangers to start the ALCS on Sunday from Minute Maid Park.
The Astros are -138 favorites for Game 1 against the underdog Rangers, who are +150 to take the first game in the series. Houston is the run-line favorite (-1.5) while the game's over/under has been set at 8.5 runs.
The Astros are projected to start Justin Verlander (13-8, 3.22 ERA) against the Rangers and Jordan Montgomery (10-11, 3.20 ERA).
These teams, along with the Mariners, fiercely battled for the AL West title, with the Astros eventually securing it through a tiebreaker against the Rangers.
In the playoffs, the Rangers impressively swept the 99-win Tampa Bay Rays in the Wild Card Series and did the same to the AL East champion Baltimore Orioles in the Divisional Round.
In contrast, the Houston Astros secured their seventh consecutive ALCS appearance by beating the Minnesota Twins in four games in the Divisional Round.
During this postseason, the Rangers scored 21 runs in their three-game sweep of the Orioles, while the Astros managed 20 runs in four games against a strong Twins pitching staff.
Although the Rangers' bullpen started strong, the Astros are likely to hold an advantage, given the Rangers' regular-season bullpen struggles.
Keep reading for our best bets for the Astros vs. Rangers matchup in the ALCS.
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Astros vs Rangers Best NRFI Bet: Over 0.5 Runs
⭐ First inning Over 0.5 Runs (+120) at BetMGM
In the postseason, the Rangers have been averaging 6.4 runs per game, while the Astros have averaged 5.0, with both teams frequently scoring early in their games. Notably, all four games in the Astros-Twins series saw runs scored in the first inning, highlighting their offensive prowess.
The Rangers will rely on Jordan Montgomery (10-11, 3.20 ERA), who has become a reliable presence after a midseason trade to Texas. However, he faced a tough outing against the Orioles, allowing four earned runs in four innings, with two runs coming in the first inning.
The Astros, with a .270 batting average against left-handed pitchers, are poised to capitalize on Montgomery's vulnerability in the opening frame.
The Astros counter with Justin Verlander (13-8, 3.22 ERA), who, despite some regression in 2023, had a strong season. However, the Rangers pose a challenge, particularly at the top of their lineup.
Marcus Semien boasts a .326 batting average and .535 slugging percentage against Verlander, while Corey Seager, a standout hitter all season, continues to excel in the postseason with a .429 batting average and .857 slugging percentage.
This potent 1-2 punch suggests the Rangers may score early against Verlander.
⭐ Best ALCS Picks: First inning Over 0.5 Runs (+120) at BetMGM
Astros vs Rangers Best Player Prop: Kyle Tucker Over 0.5 Hits
⭐ Kyle Tucker Over 0.5 Hits (-235) at FanDuel
Kyle Tucker's outstanding season statistics make it highly likely that he will score a hit in ALCS Game 1 on Sunday.
With 163 hits, he is the top performer among Houston hitters this season. His impressive .284 batting average ranks 18th among all qualifying hitters in the majors, demonstrating his consistency at the plate.
Furthermore, Tucker's impressive on-base percentage of .369, ranking 15th, and a slugging percentage of .517, ranking 13th, indicate his ability to get on base and produce power.
These numbers make him a formidable force in the Astros' lineup, and his track record suggests he's poised to deliver a hit in the upcoming game.
⭐ Best ALCS Picks: Kyle Tucker Over 0.5 Hits (-235) at FanDuel
Astros vs Rangers Best Runline Bet: Houston Astros -1.5
⭐ Houston Astros -1.5 (-150) at Draftkings
In the ALCS, two familiar AL West rivals will vie for the pennant in Houston on Sunday. Both teams showcase strong all-around performances in pitching, hitting, defense, baserunning, and management, setting the stage for an exciting series.
Their last meeting occurred over a month ago, where the Astros dominated, winning all three games with commanding scores: 13-6, 14-1, and 12-3. While the Astros are favored for the series, Texas is expected to put up a fight.
Game 1 features starting pitchers Jordan Montgomery and Justin Verlander, who have recently shown strength. Verlander delivered six strong innings against the Twins and previously held the Rangers to one run in seven innings a month ago.
Montgomery, although not facing the Astros this season, had a strong outing against them in June. However, the bullpen advantage lies with the Astros, making it a critical factor in this game and the series.
Houston's deeper and more reliable bullpen gives them an edge, leading to a prediction of a Houston victory in Game 1 at home.
⭐ Best ALCS Picks: Houston Astros -1.5 (-150) at Draftkings
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As the 2023 MLB postseason hots up, there's another exciting development for sports betting enthusiasts. As of September 28, Kentucky launched online sports betting, paving the way for the emergence of new Kentucky betting apps. This opens up a new realm of opportunities for fans and bettors alike. Stay tuned for more updates on this front.
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