Houston at Texas

Houston snapped a three-game losing streak with a 9-4 win over Miami while banging out 14 hits. Texas returns home for this series following a six-game trip. The Rangers did beat the White Sox two of three, but the pitching left a lot to be desired as Texas allowed 23 runs in the three games. Cristian Javier had a rough outing last Monday against Seattle, but overall he has a 3.22 ERA with 56 strikeouts in 44 2/3 innings and he has faced Texas twice this year and given up just three runs in 11 innings. Javier also pitched well against the Rangers in 2021 when he had a .141 opponent batting average against them in 19 1/3 innings. Houston's bullpen leads the majors in ERA and it is tied for second with a 1.11 WHIP. Texas starter Taylor Hearn has a 5.40 ERA and .284 opponent batting average. The Astros are 21-13 on the road and Texas is 13-16 at home. Houston has won six of seven road games vs. left-handed starters. Take the Astros.