Rangers vs. Astros Prediction and Odds for Wednesday, Sept. 7 (Target the Rising Total in Houston)

The Texas Rangers and Houston Astros AL West in-state rivalry comes to a close today, as both teams play their 19th game of the season against each other from Minute Maid Park in Houston.

The Astros have won 13 of the 18 games, but fell 4-3 Tuesday night at home after a rare rough start from left-hander Framber Valdez;.

Texas is just 1-9 in their last 10 games with an ERA just under 6.00. Following their victory last night, are they in a spot to sneak up as a big road underdog?

Here are the latest odds for tonight's AL West matchup in Houston.

Rangers vs. Astros Odds, Run Line and Total

Rangers vs. Astros Prediction and Pick

The Astros are the best under team in the sport, and the Rangers are hitting .223 in their last 10 games. The under should be a layup, right?

Not so fast...

Let's start with tonight's starter for Texas in left-hander Cole Ragans. He's made four starts with an ERA of 4.42, not lasting more than five innings in any start. Those numbers may not look awful, but Ragans owns a Fielding Independent Pitching (FIP) of 6.60, more than two runs higher! It's hard to be lucky with very below-average numbers, but that's exactly what Ragans has been.

As for his opponent, Cristian Javier, while his numbers for the season look terrific, he has looked beatable over his last few appearances. Over the last 14 days, Javier has a 5.63 ERA with a 2.25 HR/9.

The Astros are already projected to get to Ragans, but I think Texas could put up a few more runs than expected as Javier looks to right the ship since mid-August.

LEAN: OVER 8 (-118)

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