Rangers vs Astros Winning Prediction, 9–14–2016 — Precision Picks

Texas Rangers (86–59) vs. Houston Astros (75–69)

First Pitch: 8:10pm EST

Starters: Yu Darvish (5–4, 3.28 ERA) vs Joe Musgrove (2–4, 4.78 ERA)

The Line: Rangers -125 | Astros +105, O/U 8

The division leading Texas Rangers travel to face the Houston Astros in the last of a three game set Wednesday night. Russell Davis of Precision Picks provides his Rangers vs Astros Winning Prediction, 9–14–2016.

Texas went into Tuesday’s game winners of three of their last four. The Rangers’ magic number to win the AL West was down to nine. Texas holds a two game lead over Cleveland for the best record in the American League.

Yu Darvish makes his 15th start of the year for the Rangers in this contest. He is 5–4 with a 3.28 ERA and a 1.142 WHIP over 82.1 innings with 103 strikeouts. Darvish has only one loss in his last seven starts. He took a no-decision in his last start, which came against the Angels Friday. Darvish threw 6.2 innings, allowing a run on three hits with one walk and nine strikeouts. Darvish is 3–1 with a 2.34 ERA and a 0.779 WHIP over 34.2 innings at Minute Maid Park in Houston.

The Astros are 3.5 games behind the Orioles for the last AL wild card spot after losing 5 of their last 6 games. Rookie Joe Musgrove takes the mound for his ninth career appearance and eighth start for Houston. He is 2–4 with a 4.78 ERA in his young career.

Rangers are 14–5 in their last 19 vs. American League West

Rangers are 16–7 in their last 23 games on grass

Rangers are 9–4 in their last 13 vs. a team with a winning record

Rangers are 11–5 in their last 16 overall

Astros are 2–7 in their last 9 home games vs. a right-handed starter

Astros are 1–5 in their last 6 vs. a team with a winning record

Astros are 1–5 in their last 6 overall

Rangers vs Astros Winning Prediction: Rangers -125

This is the tale of two teams. One team is playing to seal up a Division crown and Playoff spot while one team is headed in the opposite direction. Darvish was sharp despite not factoring in the decision in his last outing. Musgrove pitched better than expected his last time out against the Cubs but got no offensive support. The Rangers have the better lineup and that’s the difference here. Texas gets the victory.