Houston (22-20) at Texas (23-21)
- When: May 15 2025, 8:05 PM
- Where: Globe Life Field, Arlington
- Where to watch: MLBN
Astros vs. Rangers – Game Preview, Prediction and Player Props
Moneyline: Texas -124
Total: 7.0
Houston Astros Overview
The Houston Astros head into Arlington for the first of a four-game Lone Star showdown against the Texas Rangers. This in-state rivalry carries extra weight as both teams are neck-and-neck in the AL West standings, just one game behind the first-place Mariners.
Houston is riding a wave of momentum, having won two straight and five of their last seven games. Their latest victory came in dramatic fashion a 4-3 nail-biter over the Kansas City Royals that saw Jeremy Pena deliver a clutch RBI single in the eighth. Pena also had a season-high four hits, showing he’s heating up at just the right time.
The Astros will rely on right-hander Hunter Brown (6-1, 1.48 ERA) to keep their streak alive. Brown has been dominant this season, emerging as one of the premier arms in the rotation. He stumbled a bit in his last outing against Cincinnati, going 5 2/3 innings while allowing two hits and four walks, but still managed to secure a 3-0 win.
Brown has shown resilience and growth, which Astros manager Joe Espada attributes to his calm demeanor and competitive spirit. “He knows how to work through tough spots and still get outs,” Espada remarked. Brown is 3-2 with a 3.09 ERA in six career starts against the Rangers, fanning 28 batters across 32 innings. He’ll need to be sharp, as the Texas lineup is on fire.
Texas Rangers Overview
The Texas Rangers are rolling into this matchup with confidence, boasting a five-game winning streak capped off with an 8-3 thrashing of the Colorado Rockies. Wyatt Langford and Adolis Garcia both homered, highlighting a potent offensive stretch.
The Rangers are sending Jacob deGrom (3-1, 2.72 ERA) to the mound, and he’s been lights-out in his last three starts, winning each of them while surrendering just three runs across 16 innings. In his latest performance against Detroit, deGrom gave up five hits two of which were homers but struck out 10 batters in just five innings of work.
“Locating the fastball is key,” deGrom said following that win. “When I can spot it, everything else falls into place.” Surprisingly, deGrom has never faced the Astros in his career, setting up an intriguing first encounter.
The Rangers are 14-8 at home and are seeking to gain an early edge in the season series against their state rivals.
Player Props Predictions:
Adolis Garcia – Over 1.5 Total Bases – Garcia has been seeing the ball well lately, coming off a two-run homer in his last outing. Against Brown, who occasionally struggles with control, Garcia has the power to capitalize on mistakes and rack up multiple bases.
Jeremy Pena – Over 0.5 RBIs – Pena is coming off a four-hit game where he drove in the winning run. With runners likely to be on base against deGrom, Pena should get his chances to push one across.
Expert Prediction and Final Score:
This one shapes up to be a classic pitcher’s duel with Brown and deGrom on the mound. However, with Texas on a five-game tear and deGrom dealing, expect the Rangers to edge out a low-scoring affair 4-2, and take Game 1.
Score Prediction: Rangers 4, Astros 2
Lean: Texas (-124)
Total: Under 7.0 (-110)
- MLB Odds source: MyBookie Sportsbook
