Tight Game 7 Expected Tonight Between Rangers And Astros

Rangers vs. Astros, 8:03 ET

The two best words in sports: Game 7. You don't get it with every series, and, in fact, there hasn't been any series that went the distance in this MLB postseason. Now, we get two of the best teams in the American League with one game that will determine the pennant. Turn on the television and watch the drama unfold as the Rangers take on the Astros in Game 7 of the ALCS.

The Rangers were able to bounce back from the three game stretch they had at home that resulted in them leaving Houston up 2-0 and returning down 3-2. The game wasn't exactly an easy one for the Rangers. Up until the 8th inning the score was 3-2. The Rangers were able to push a run across the board in the top of the inning and then the Astros had bases loaded, but ultimately struck out to end the frame. The 9th rolled around and the score was now 4-2 with just three outs remaining. That all changed as the Rangers were able to get a run on a hit-by-pitch, and then Adolis Garcia bombed a homer over the left field fence for a Grand Slam. The road team has won all six games in this series and now the road team looks to once again take the victory. For the Rangers, they are throwing Max Scherzer. He was not very good in his return from injury, but this is why you traded for a guy of his caliber. Scherzer is a big game pitcher and has a great arm - you know it, he will be a Hall of Famer - but can he pitch well enough to get the win?

ARLINGTON, TEXAS - SEPTEMBER 01: Max Scherzer #31 of the Texas Rangers pitches in the fourth inning against the Minnesota Twins at Globe Life Field on September 01, 2023 in Arlington, Texas. (Photo by Tim Heitman/Getty Images)

The Astros never led last night. They've struggled in this series at home. How can they overcome whatever it is that is causing some issues in their home stadium? Well, to be honest, it isn't just one game, it has been a season long issue. Of the remaining playoff teams, only the Astros have a below-.500 record at home this season. In fact, they were the only team in playoffs this season that did not have a winning record at home. I suppose the game is harder at home when there aren't trash cans helping you out. I kid, because frankly I'm over the "Astros are cheaters" narrative. But, something has to change tonight if they want to keep their season alive. Cristian Javier is taking the mound for them and he was solid enough against the Rangers last time out, going 5.2 innings and allowing just two earned runs. I've like him quite a bit in the past and do think he can go toe-to-toe with Scherzer tonight. The question is more if the Astros offense can break out of whatever funk is happening to them on their home turf.

This should be a tense game. I am expecting both offenses to be a little up-tight. If the score is more than two or three total runs after five innings, I'll be surprised. I do lean to the Astros winning the game, but in reality, I have a ticket on the Astros in my pocket to win the series. I can hedge and take the Rangers, but I won't. (If you followed my post previously, feel free to grab the Rangers, but not for more than a unit.) Tonight, I'm taking the under for Game 7. Nine runs normally isn't too much for these two, but tonight it should be in a do-or-die Game 7.

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