The Major League Baseball season gets an early start this year when the Houston Astros make their American League debut against in-state rival Texas
The Rangers rank second to the Los Angeles Angels in terms of favorites to win the division this year but they get a chance for a strong start when they face an Astros team who are widely expected to finish this season at the bottom of baseball’s win column.
Oddsmakers listed Texas as a -145 moneyline favorite and money is really starting to pour in on the Rangers, with one sportsbook now showing a -165. The Rangers started last year with a 6-2 record vs. the division but finished a disappointing 27-30 and they’ll hand the ball to left-hander Matt Harrison the opener.
Harrison was 18-11 in 2012 with a 3.29 ERA and his team is an impressive 14-2 when he starts a series. The lefty also has a strong 16-3 Sunday record and although he has struggled in division play (27-30), the Astros are a step down from the likes of the A’s and Angels.
The Astros look to fastballer Bud Norris (7-13, 4.65 ERA) tonight, head manning a group of starters who collective ranked second last in the National League last year for team ERA (4.62). Norris led the team in strikeouts and quality starts in 2012 and the fourth-year pitcher has a 3.51 ERA at home in 48 starts.
Houston has nothing to lose this year while the Rangers are clearly under pressure to get back in the playoffs after last year’s late collapse. Harrison went 2-2 to start last season, going six-plus innings in all four starts and allowing just nine earned runs. Spring struggles are the only reason this line hasn’t touched -180 but we expect a smooth start against Houston’s only pitcher worthy of ‘ace’ status.
The total for tonight’s game is 8.5 Under -115 with Pinnacle offering the lowest juice. To start the season, take the Rangers and Astros to stay under the number.
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