Texas’ Max Scherzer makes his first start since September 12th. He will be on a pitch count and did not fare well against the Astros this season. Scherzer allowed seven earned runs in three innings on September 6th. Houston’s Cristian Javier, as an underdog, is 8-1 SU this season and has not allowed an earned run in his last 11 innings. The Rangers are seeing the ball very well and should get some runs off Javier, but Houston plays their best ball on the road, 51-30 record, and could take advantage of a vulnerable Scherzer coming off a muscle strain.

The Astros lost both home games to put themselves in a 2-0 series hole. The good news for them is that they were 39-42 at home during the regular season, but they went 51-30 on the road. They have played two road games in the playoffs, winning both of them against the Twins. The Rangers will be getting Max Scherzer back from injury, but he hasn’t pitched in over a month, so he could be in line for a short outing. The Astros are too good to go down 3-0, so I’ll take a chance on them to win at plus odds.

The Astros certainly have their backs up against the wall, but in their case being on the road for Game 3 might not be a bad idea as they fared better away from Minute Maid Park all season. Tonight, Bruce Bochy rolls the dice on the Texas side with recently-activated Max Scherzer, who has been dealing with shoulder issues, and getting his first postseason start and first action of any sort in over a month (last on the mound September 12). The Astros can dig in to provide cushion for Cristian Javier, whose recent efforts have been very encouraging, not allowing a run in either of his last two starts at Arizona or in the ALDS at Minnesota.

The Astros are very comfortable hitting at Globe Life Field. In their last three-game visit a little over a month ago, they outscored Texas 39-10 while hitting 16 home runs. Tonight they should do damage versus Max Scherzer, who hasn't pitched since Sept. 12, and the vulnerable Rangers' bullpen. Astros starter Cristian Javier is working on a postseason scoreless streak of 16.1 innings. He's allowed two hits and struck out 23 in those three playoff starts. Back Houston, MLB's top road team, to get back in this series.

The Astros are just bad at home and amazing on the road. It's well past time of figuring out why and instead simply embracing it. They averaged 5.7 runs per game in the regular season on the road and scored 58 runs in their six games in Arlington, including seven runs in three innings against Max Scherzer. I think Scherzer will be compromised, which means trouble and then the Rangers' bullpen, which isn't very good. Plus, Cristian Javier was nearly unhittable in the ALDS and has a career 1.91 postseason ERA.

The Houston Astros have been performing exceptionally well when playing away from home this season, with a record of 51 wins and 30 losses. When Cristian Javier takes the mound, Houston's record is 22-10, and they have dominated their last five games at Global Life Stadium, winning all five. On the other hand, Max Scherzer hasn't pitched in over a month and will have a limited pitch count. The Rangers bullpen has been struggling at home this season, with an ERA of 4.99. The Astros at plus money. Yes!

Jeez, the Rangers are single-handedly ruining my playoffs that otherwise have been solid betting wise. Truly can't believe they haven't lost yet. I am an Astros believer, so I at least have to take the RL here to avoid a 3-0 hole because Cristian Javier has been a terrific postseason performer. Max Scherzer's resume speaks for himself, but the Rangers righty hasn't pitched in more than a month due to injury and surely won't be out there long. The Astros were the better team in Game 2 after the first inning. Maybe they build off that. I don't really care if they win Wednesday and simply ask for a one-run loss.