2023 MLB playoffs: Astros vs. Rangers odds, start time, ALCS Game 4 picks, prediction by proven model
A pivotal Game 4 battle in the ALCS has the Texas Rangers hosting the Houston Astros on Thursday night. The Astros secured an 8-5 win in Game 3 to make the series 2-1, and that loss by Texas snapped the Rangers' seven-game win streak during the 2023 MLB playoffs. Houston is ranked fourth in the MLB in OPS (.754) in the postseason, while Texas is in the second spot in OPS (.791). Andrew Heaney (10-6, 4.15 ERA) gets the start for the Rangers, while Jose Urquidy (3-3, 5.29 ERA) will be on the mound as the Astros starting pitcher.
First pitch is set for 8:03 p.m. ET from Globe Life Field in Arlington, Texas. The latest Astros vs. Rangers odds via the SportsLine consensus have the game as a pick'em with both teams listed at -110 on the money line (risk $110 to win $100). The over/under for total runs scored is 10. Before making any Rangers vs. Astros picks, be sure to .
The SportsLine Projection Model simulates every MLB game 10,000 times. It went 331-285 on top-rated MLB money-line picks (+357) over the past two seasons. It entered the NLCS and ALCS of the 2023 MLB playoffs 93-74 on all top-rated MLB picks this season and has excelled on top-rated run-line picks, going 18-6 (+766). Anybody following has seen big returns.
Now, the model has set its sights on Astros vs. Rangers and revealed its coveted picks and predictions. You can head to SportsLine now to see the model's MLB picks. Here are several MLB odds and trends for Astros vs. Rangers:
- Astros vs. Rangers money line: Houston -110, Texas -110
- Astros vs. Rangers run line: Houston -1.5 (+145)
- Astros vs. Rangers over/under: 10 runs
- TEX: The Rangers are 6-1 in their last seven games at home
- HOU: The Astros are 7-0 in their last seven games on the road
- Astros vs. Rangers picks: See picks at SportsLine
Why you should back the Astros
Center fielder Chas McCormick provides Houston with an aware and instinctive player. McCormick knows how to make consistent contact due to his bat speed and strike zone awareness. In the 2023 MLB playoffs, the 28-year-old is hitting .316 with six hits and one RBI. He's notched a hit in every postseason outing thus far, and McCormick hit .438 (14 for 32) against Texas in the regular season.
Mauricio Dubon is a versatile player who has lined up all over both the infield and outfield for Houston. Dubon makes consistent contact and owns a batting average of .500 with one run driven in through four playoff games. In the Game 3 victory, Dubon went 3 for 4 with three singles and one run scored. See which team to pick here.
Why you should back the Rangers
Third baseman Josh Jung has played great in both phases of the game. Jung uses his quick feet and instincts to make solid plays defensively. On the offensive side, the 25-year-old has outstanding plate discipline and hits for contact. He is first on the team in batting average (.355), home runs (3), and hits (11) in the 2023 MLB playoffs. In his last outing, Jung was 2-for-4 with two home runs and four RBI.
Right fielder Adolis Garcia is a power slugger with an elite throwing arm from the outfield. Garcia turns on pitches in a flash with the ability to spray the ball anywhere on the diamond. The two-time All-Star is hitting .257 with two home runs and seven RBI in the playoffs. In the Game 3 loss, Garcia was 1-for-4 with one run driven in. See which team to pick here.
How to make Astros vs. Rangers picks
SportsLine's model is leaning Over on the run total, projecting 10.4 combined runs. It also says one side of the money line has all the value. You can only get the model's MLB picks and analysis at SportsLine.
