17th Sept - Rangers vs Astros

The Rangers have the division lead for the first time since May and they won’t want to relinquish it now. They’re offense is on fire at Park Life Stadium averaging nearly 10 runs per game during their current four-game winning streak. Prince Fielder has discovered his swing and that can only be a good thing. He hit two home runs in his first 20 games with Texas, but he’s now crushed three homers in this one series.

After demolishing 17-win Dallas Keuchel in the first inning last night, the Rangers will surely fancy getting on top of rookie starter Lance McCullers (5-5, 3.10 ERA).

Colby Lewis has had a pretty good season in terms of getting good run support, but also in terms of pitching lights out when he needs to. He produced one of the best performances of his career running a perfect game through seven innings and finishing by giving up just two hits in a 4-0 win against the Oakland Athletics.

McCullers didn’t have a great time against the Rangers last time he faced them giving up six runs in the first inning. He spent some time playing triple-A ball after that outing, but has posted an ERA below three in four starts since returning to the MLB.

Three Reasons for Betting Tips

1. Fielder is red hot

Prince Fielder is rocking Park Life stadium now and the entire Rangers’ hitting line-up is playing some of its best baseball of the season. When batters like that get into form, they cash in.

2. Rookie on the big stage

McCullers will be under pressure on Thursday night. He’ll have to deal with the pressure of snapping a poor run of form against Texas, a poor run of form on the road and the loss of the division lead.

3. Astros road form

It’s difficult to explain, but Houston’s road record is tied for the worst in the American League. They just don’t perform to the same level outside of Minute Maid Park.

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