Astros at Rangers 7/14/19 - MLB Picks & Predictions

The Houston Astros conclude a four-game series on the road Sunday against American League West rival the Texas Rangers. Houston lost the second game of the series against Texas on Friday 9-8. Gerrit Cole struck out 13 over six innings for Houston but the Astros bullpen could not hold a four-run lead. Yordan Alvarez belted a pair of homers, while Yuli Gurriel and Jose Altuve went yard as well.

Texas won with a walk-off hit by Danny Santana in the ninth inning. With two outs, Santana lined a pitch to center field that George Springer just missed after diving for the ball allowing Elvis Aldrus to score and give Texas the walk-off win. Ronald Guzman hit a two-run homer for the Rangers and Shawn Kelley earned the win after pitching a perfect ninth inning. Michael Brantley is leading Houston with a .321 batting average and in hits with 109. Alex Bregman leads in home runs with 23 and RBIs with 56. Houston has a .269 batting average while opponents are averaging .222. On Sunday, the Astros will send Justin Verlander to the mound. The right-hander is 10-4 with an ERA of 2.98, 153 Ks and 27 BBs.

Elvis Andrus is leading the Rangers with a .304 batting average and in hits with 102. Joey Gallo leads Texas with 21 home runs, while Nomar Mazara leads in RBIs with 49. Texas is averaging .255 at the plate, while opponents are averaging .268. On Sunday, the Rangers will send Ariel Jurado to the mound. The right-hander this season is 5-4 with an ERA of 4.23, 48 Ks and 18 BBs.