Caleb Wilfinger
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The 2022 MLB season continues into this weekend, and we have another exciting slate of games on Friday. There are a number of intriguing matchups, including this American League clash between the Texas Rangers and Houston Astros starting at 8:10 pm ET.
What better way to celebrate this matchup than by betting a same game parlay? We also have thoughts on the side and total, which you can find out in our full game preview.
Texas Rangers ML (+148)
Under 8.5 (-104)
Michael Brantley to record 2+ total bases (-110)
Parlay odds: +1342
We have come up with a 3-leg parlay, which would pay out at more than 13/1 odds with FanDuel Sportsbook.
Texas Rangers vs Houston Astros: Start time and how to watch
The Rangers and Astros begin a 3-game series on Monday with a start time of 8:10 pm ET. The game is airing exclusively on Apple TV+. Let’s get into our same game parlay for this AL West matchup.
Texas Rangers ML (+148)
The Rangers started off the season on the back foot, but have since crawled their way back to playing roughly .500 baseball. Texas has won 6 of its last 10 games, and the Rangers are 10-6 in the month of May. Corey Seager is heating up, while the rest of Texas’ offense is slowly warming up after a poor start. And while the Astros have been playing excellent baseball this month, as well, Texas may have the better starting pitcher on Friday.
Martin Perez gets the start for the Rangers and has pitched to a 2.01 ERA this season. While the Astros do hit left-handers well, Perez has allowed just 3 runs over his last 32.0 innings and should be able to keep the Houston lineup at bay. Astros starter Christian Javier has been solid as well, but he did allow 7 runs in his last start and is susceptible against left-handed hitters. Texas has 5 left-handed hitters in their lineup, and should be able to scratch across a few runs against the Houston starter.
Be sure to check out our full game preview for Rangers vs Astros
Under 8.5 (-104)
I think a Rangers win on Friday correlates well with a lower-scoring affair. These teams have played each other 5 times in 2022, and the total has gone under in each contest. Perez and Javier have been pitching at a high level, and banking on at least one of them to stay sharp is a realistic play. Perez has allowed just 1 run over his last 5 starts, while Javier holds a 3.20 ERA through 25.1 innings pitched. Even if either starter comes back to earth, the Astros’ bullpen has been one of the best in baseball, while Texas’ bullpen should have enough to hold off the Houston bats.
Michael Brantley to record 2+ total bases (-110)
As a rule, including legs that may not correlate with each other always increases your odds in a same game parlay. However, I don’t think Michael Brantley playing well conflicts with a Rangers victory. Houston boasts one of the better lineups in baseball, and Brantley is a key cog in the Astros’ success. The outfielder has been the model of consistency in 2022, with 37 hits in 130 at-bats this season. With hits in 9 of his last 10 starts, I see no reason for Brantley’s hot start to taper off on Friday.
At the top of the Astros’ lineup, Brantley should be expected to get at least 4 at-bats on Friday. At this price, taking a stab on the outfielder to record either an extra-base hit or 2+ singles is worth a shot.
What is a Same Game Parlay?
Check out our guide on what is a same game parlay and where can I bet it?
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