Houston Astros vs. Texas Rangers Prediction: Will Justin Verlander, Astros Dominate in Game 5?
The ALCS is tied at two apiece. Will Justin Verlander and the Astros dominate in Game 5? Handicapper Krabs shares his Houston Astros vs. Texas Rangers prediction and picks.
Krabs - October 20, 2023, 3:09 PM EDT
7 minHouston Astros vs. Texas Rangers Prediction: Will Justin Verlander, Astros Dominate in Game 5?
After the Texas Rangers went up 2-0 to start this series, the Houston Astros bounced back with two straight wins. Tonight’s matchup should look very similar, with Justin Verlander and Jordan Montgomery taking the mound like they did in game one. Will these veteran arms shine like they did in the first game of this series, or will the bats stay hot tonight?
Astros vs. Rangers Date, Time, and Where to Watch
- Date: October 20, 2023
- Game Time: 5:07 pm ET
- Where to Watch: TBS
Houston Astros vs. Texas Rangers Prediction
I was shocked to see this total open at 8.5 and move to 9 after we saw this same matchup in game one end 2-0. Both starters pitched great, especially Montgomery, who threw a 6.1 inning shutout. I’m willing to bet these starters won’t look as sharp as they did on Sunday…
For some reason, Houston’s offense only shines on the road. They got swept in the first two games of this series at home, and their bats have come to life in the last two games in Dallas. The Astros love hitting on the road, and in a hitters-friendly ballpark tonight, I don’t see their bats slowing down anytime soon.
Jordan Montgomery threw a gem on Sunday against the Astros, but the over on his earned runs allowed prop is juiced tonight. After giving up zero runs in his last start to the same team, I wasn’t expecting his o2.5 ERs allowed to be (-125) on the books tonight. Oddsmakers are aligned with me in this game, expecting Houston runs early and often.
Instead of taking the JMont earned runs prop, I’ve got a better way to back this Astros offense. Back the Astros on their F5 team total, which is (+120) to the over. Expect the Astros to come out firing in this one, scoring a run in the first inning to get the party started. I wouldn’t be surprised if Jose Altuve gets the offense going with a leadoff home run; he has come out of his slump and is carrying this lineup on the road.
If I’m expecting a run in the first from the Astros, I might as well recommend the YRFI as well. I don’t think either offense is going to struggle tonight after seeing the same starting pitchers only five days ago. Bet the YRFI and enjoy the offensive fireworks; there will be plenty of runs tonight, especially early.
There are plenty of ways to make money in this ALCS matchup. Bet the over and fade these two veteran arms who both pitched great on Sunday. This high total is very telling after we saw a 2-0 final score on Sunday with the same pitching matchup.
Houston Astros vs. Texas Rangers Picks
- HOU/TEX YRFI (-120) Click here to see which sportsbook has the best odds
- HOU F5 TT o2.5 (+120) Click here to see which sportsbook has the best odds
- HOU/TEX o9 (-105) Click here to see which sportsbook has the best odds
MLB Odds
