Texas Rangers vs Houston Astros Prediction: Can Astros fight back?

Thursday’s Major League Baseball postseason game at Globe Life Field features a matchup between the Houston Astros and the Texas Rangers. This contest will be the third game of a best-of-seven series that is being played for the American League Championship. After taking the first two games of the series against the Houston Astros this week on the road, the Texas Rangers currently hold a 2-0 lead in the series.

The Texas Rangers were able to win a shutout game on Sunday thanks to an outstanding pitching performance (and just enough offense) by Jordan Montgomery, who went 6.1 innings, allowed five hits, walked one batter, and struck out six batters. The Texas Rangers were able to fend off any major rallies in Game 2, despite the game having its share of shakier moments. At the plate, Jonah Helm helped things along with a single home run, and Marcus Semien added to the victory by collecting a pair of hits and scoring a run. On Wednesday, the Texas Rangers will be giving Max Scherzer the opportunity to start for them. In 27 starts, Scherzer posted a 13-6 record with a 3.77 earned run average (ERA). Scherzer will be making his first appearance in the postseason this year. He hasn't pitched since September 13, as he is recovering from a minor shoulder strain, and this will be his first start in the postseason this year.

Even though both of these games have been played at Minute Maid Park, the Houston Astros have not been able to get into a rhythm over the first two contests of this series. The Houston Astros were defeated in both games on Sunday, the first by a score of 2-0 on five hits by the club combined, and the second by a score of 5-4 after allowing four runs in the first inning. Yordan Alvarez (two solo home runs; three runs), Michael Brantley (two hits; RBI), and Alex Bregman (solo home run) were the only offensive bright spots in Monday's defeat. In an effort to stem the flow of blood from the Houston Astros' wounds, Cristian Javier will get the start in Game 3 of the series. In 31 starts during the regular season, Javier had a record of 10 wins and 5 losses with a 4.56 earned run average. In his one and only outing in the postseason this year, Javier was successful, pitching five scoreless innings against the Minnesota Twins to get the victory.

It's likely that I'll place my money on the Houston Astros to win this game. However, considering that the Texas Rangers have played well thus far in this series and that they should feel at ease playing at home, one might make a solid argument in either direction. After that, it will be up to the Texas Rangers bullpen, which has only allowed a single earned run through the first two games (thanks to Aroldis Chapman's stellar performance). Regarding the Houston Astros, it is anticipated that Javier will be able to provide the club with a solid start. However, in order to establish some confidence while on the road, the Houston Astros absolutely need to get the bats going early on in the game. This is not typical for such a skilled offensive as the Houston Astros, as there has only been one batter in each game who has collected multiple hits for the team. I believe that the Houston Astros will show some signs of life at the plate and wake up in Game 3, but I also believe that it will not be an easy game by any means.