A team from Texas is going to represent the American League in the World Series, as the ALCS gets underway Sunday night at Minute Maid Park in the Rangers vs Astros game 1 matchup. Houston definitely has a postseason experience advantage as they have now made the Championship series seven straight years, but Texas is red hot going 5-0 so far these playoffs.
Before Betting on Rangers vs Astros Game 1
The Rangers are on the road Sunday night, but they opened up the 2023 postseason with two away victories each at Tampa Bay and Baltimore. Texas’ only home game so far this postseason came Tuesday night in a 7-1 victory over Baltimore that sent the Rangers to their first ALCS since 2011.
Houston is in familiar territory as they enter their 7th straight ALCS. The defending World Series champions beat Minnesota in four games in the ALDS, but they did lose game 2 at home to the Twins by a 6-2 tally. The Astros were just 39-42 at Minute Maid Park during the regular season.
Not only do the Astros have a ton of experience this deep in the playoffs as a team, game 1 starter Justin Verlander will make his 36th postseason start on Sunday night. Verlander was rocked in last year’s World Series, (5.40 ERA) but held the Yankees to just 1 ER over 6.0 IP in his lone 2022 ALCS start. Verlander held the Twins scoreless over 6.0 IP against the Twins last Saturday in the ALDS.
Jordan Montgomery has risen to the ace of the Rangers staff after injuries to Max Scherzer (shoulder) and Jacob deGrom (elbow). The lefty gets the nod in Game 1 in just his fourth postseason start – two of which have come this season. Montgomery threw 7.0 IP of shutout ball in the wild card round against Tampa Bay, but was tagged for 4 ER over 4.0 IP in the ALDS against Baltimore.
Texas vs Houston Game 1 Offshore Betting Odds
| Offshore Sportsbook | Moneyline | Total | Point Spread |
|---|---|---|---|
| BetOnline | Rangers (2.21) | Astros (1.76) | 8.5 | Rangers +1.5 (1.59) | Astros +1.5 (2.50) |
| MyBookie | Rangers (2.18) | Astros (1.69) | 9 | Rangers +1.5 (1.59) | Astros +1.5 (2.38) |
| BetUS | Rangers (2.21) | Astros (1.76) | 8.5 | Rangers +1.5 (1.58) | Astros +1.5 (2.50) |
| SportsBetting.ag | Rangers (2.21) | Astros (1.76) | 8.5 | Rangers +1.5 (1.59) | Astros +1.5 (2.50) |
| XBet | Rangers (2.17) | Astros (1.70) | 8.5 | Rangers +1.5 (1.57) | Astros +1.5 (2.42) |
Rangers vs Astros Game 1 Prediction & Pick
The Rangers are red hot, but the pressure gets amped up even more in the ALCS – especially on the road. This seems like it will be a feeling out game for Texas who very well may end up winning the series, but after losing the opener.
