Rangers Host the AL West Leading Astros

Can Rangers Stay Close after All-Star Break?

The Houston Astros and the Texas Rangers will battle tonight at Globe Life Park in Arlington. Lance Lynn looks to win his fifth straight start and sixth consecutive decision this evening. The Rangers open a four-game series against the AL West leading Astros. The stretch has raised Lynn's win total to 11 so far this season. He is on pace to surpass his career-best mark of 18 he set with the St. Louis Cardinals in 2012.

TV: 8:05 p.m. ET, ESPN; LINE: Astros -123; O/U: 10.5 -110.

PITCHING MATCHUP: Astros Framber Valdez (3-4, 4.57 ERA) vs. Rangers RH Lance Lynn (11-4, 3.91 ERA)

Lynn will attempt to slow down a Houston team that has the second-best record in the American League and third in the majors. The 57-33, Astros hold a 7 1/2-game lead over the Oakland Athletics in the AL West. The Rangers are 48-42, and are sitting nine games out. Houston soared into the All-Star break with seven wins in its past eight games. Texas reached 10 games above .500 before losing six of their last eight before the break. Houston smacked the Rangers around in their last meeting, outscoring them 33-11 in a four-game home sweep from May 9-12.

This, That, and a Dart Throw

Houston has decided on Framber Valdez as starting pitcher for the opener of the series. This was well after announcing Gerrit Cole, Wade Miley and Justin Verlander will start the final three games. Brad Peacock, and his bum shoulder, is on the injured list. Jose Urquidy was optioned to Triple-A Round Rock on Wednesday and the left-hander Valdez was recalled on Thursday to make the start. The 25-year-old Valdez has started four games for the Astros out of his 18 appearances. He was torched for 11 runs over 6 1/3 innings while losing his last two big league starts in the latter part of June. All-Star OF Michael Brantley posted four-hit outings in each of his last two games before the break.

Lynn has been consistently good this year for the Rangers. He has allowed two or fewer runs in seven of his past 10 starts. The crafty veteran has struck out 30 and walked just two during his four-start winning streak. Lynn has issued one or fewer bases on balls in 10 of his last 11 outings, as well. Lynn lost to the Astros on May 10 when he gave up three runs and six hits over seven innings. He stands 4-2 with a 2.20 ERA in eight career appearances, with seven starts, against Houston. OF Joey Gallo (20 homers) went deep in Tuesday's All-Star Game. He was just 3-for-18 with 12 strikeouts in his final five games before the break.

The Dart Throw: Rangers 6, Astros 3

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Rangers vs Astros Betting Odds & Trends

Houston Astros
Houston is 4-2 ATS in its last 6 games
Houston is 7-1 SU in its last 8 games
Houston is 16-8 ATS in its last 24 games on the road
Houston is 16-8 SU in its last 24 games on the road
Houston is 3-6 SU in its last 9 games on the road
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Houston's last 6 games on the road
Houston is 4-1 ATS in its last 5 games when playing Texas
Houston is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games when playing Texas
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Houston's last 6 games when playing Texas
Houston is 1-6 ATS in its last 7 games when playing on the road against Texas
Houston is 15-5 SU in its last 20 games when playing on the road against Texas
Houston is 1-4 SU in its last 5 games when playing on the road against Texas

Texas Rangers
Texas is 2-6 ATS in its last 8 games
Texas is 2-6 SU in its last 8 games
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Texas's last 7 games
Texas is 2-4 ATS in its last 6 games at home
The total has gone UNDER in 15 of Texas's last 23 games at home
Texas is 1-4 ATS in its last 5 games when playing Houston
Texas is 1-4 SU in its last 5 games when playing Houston
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Texas's last 6 games when playing Houston
Texas is 6-1 ATS in its last 7 games when playing at home against Houston
Texas is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games when playing at home against Houston
Texas is 5-15 SU in its last 20 games when playing at home against Houston

Next up:
Houston at Texas Friday, July 12

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