This series as well as this game will come down to pitching. Verlander pretty much owned the Rangers during his career, posting a 21-8 record with a 2.60 ERA and 1.05 WHIP in 35 starts. That dominance continued this season when in his only appearance, he allowed one earned run on four hits in seven innings. In their last three games against Texas, the Astros pitching staff has gone 3-0 record with a 3.00 ERA and 1.15 WHIP and averaged 7.33 strikeouts per nine innings. The Astros have won seven of their last eight games. The Rangers pitching staff has found things difficult against the Astros. They are 4-9 record with a 7.16 ERA with a 1.58 WHIP. Houston has averaged 10 hits over nine innings against the Rangers. During the regular season, Texas' bullpen ranked 24th in ERA in baseball. Houston finished the regular season with the league's sixth-best bullpen ERA. I am riding with Verlander and the better bullpen.

Play on Houston. This is a 3% play.