Houston Astros vs. Texas Rangers Pick & Prediction AUGUST 7th 2024

Preview and Prediction

The time is running out for the Texas Rangers if they hope to successfully defend their title as World Series champions.

Currently, the Rangers are in third place in the American League West, trailing by five games, and are 8 1/2 games behind the final wild-card spot. They will be closing a three-game series against the Houston Astros on Wednesday in Arlington, Texas.

In their past 11 games, the Rangers have only managed to win three, putting them in a tough spot as they face their rival Astros for the final time this year. The season series is currently tied at 6-6.

During Tuesday's game, the Rangers struggled to get hits against the Astros, with only one hit throughout the entire game. However, that one hit came at a crucial moment when Corey Seager hit a two-run homer in the bottom of the ninth inning, ending Framber Valdez's no-hit bid.

"You're always aware during the game that you haven't gotten a hit yet," Seager stated. "Everyone is going up to bat trying to make it happen. I was just fortunate enough that it did."

Seager's 24th homer of the year was his fifth in the past five games. However, his teammates were not able to match his performance, especially against Valdez.

"That's just how baseball goes," said Texas manager Bruce Bochy. "The guy on the mound was tough, and we couldn't get anything going until the ninth inning."

Thanks to Valdez's impressive performance, the Astros were able to end their three-game losing streak.

Valdez was on track to pitch his second career no-hitter when he walked Josh Smith with two outs in the ninth inning. Seager then hit a home run on the next pitch, giving the Astros a four-run lead.

"I always try to have fun out there," Valdez said through an interpreter. "But sometimes, I have to get serious. I just went out there and did what I always do, throw strikes with all my pitches and help the team win."

Yordan Alvarez also hit a two-run homer for the Astros in the ninth inning, securing their victory. Jake Meyers had two run-scoring singles, helping the Astros win for only the third time in their past nine games.

The Astros are currently in second place in the AL West, trailing the Seattle Mariners by half a game.

On Wednesday, left-hander Yusei Kikuchi (4-9, 4.67 ERA) will be starting for the Astros. This will be his second start since being traded from the Toronto Blue Jays at the deadline.

In his team debut on Friday, Kikuchi struck out 11 batters in 5 2/3 innings against the Tampa Bay Rays. He gave up two runs on three hits and three walks.

Kikuchi has not won a game since June 11, and he ended his time with the Blue Jays with a 0-4 record and a 7.75 ERA in his last eight starts.

His last start for the Blue Jays was against the Rangers, where he gave up five runs and eight hits in 4 2/3 innings. In his career, he has a 3-1 record with a 5.64 ERA in seven games (six starts) against the Rangers.

Some players on the Rangers have had success against Kikuchi, including Adolis Garcia who has hit two home runs off of him. Robbie Grossman, Nathaniel Lowe, and Marcus Semien have each hit one home run against him.

On the other side, right-hander Jose Urena (3-6, 3.70 ERA) will be starting for the Rangers. In his last start, he struggled against the Boston Red Sox, giving up seven runs and eight hits in just four-plus innings.

Urena has not had much success against the Astros this season, with a 0-1 record and a 9.82 ERA in four appearances, all in relief. In his last game against the Astros on April 13, he gave up five runs and six hits in just 1 1/3 innings.

Overall, Urena has a 0-3 record with a 7.02 ERA in six career appearances (two starts) against the Astros. Jose Altuve has had the most success against him, going 6-for-7 with three doubles, two triples, and one

PREDICTION

Houston Astros

5

4

Texas Rangers

Houston Astros vs. Texas Rangers Recap AUG 7TH 2024