The Astros took the first two games in Texas to even the series. They face Jordan Montgomery, who shut them out in game one and is making his first start at home this postseason. But for now, the momentum seems to the shifting in the Astros favor, as they are hitting .293 with a .891 OPS on the road in the playoffs. Justin Verlander has pitched very well this postseason, despite allowing two earned to Texas in game one. Verlander has allowed a combined three earned runs in his last 25.2 innings. Verlander is 22-3 SU on the road when he lost his previous start against their current opponent.

Lots of runs the last two nights at Globe Life as the Astros have pulled even in this ALCS. But if any game in the postseason to date shapes up as a pitching duel, this is it, with Justin Verlander having spun a 1.42 ERA thus far in these playoffs on the Astros side, and the Rangers' Jordan Montgomery off of 6 1/3 shutout innings over Houston in Game 1 of this ALCS. Play Astros-Rangers Under

Been there and done that, these Astros, who continue to excel on the road (now 4-0 in playoffs after 51-30 in reg season). For that reason not sure if stealing back home edge in this series is all that desirable (so far mirroring the 2019 Astros-Nats World Series), but Houston is still on the road for Game 5 and Justin Verlander has a 1.42 playoff ERA. Houston has also gotten a look at Jordan Montgomery who has been almost flawless in the postseason, but most of the clashing trends here suggest to just keep riding this Houston-on-the-road angle.

This is a great pitching matchup between Justin Verlander and Jordan Montgomery. When they faced off in Game 1, they allowed a combined two runs and both logged at least six innings. Montgomery has made three starts in the playoffs already, two of which he pitched at least 6.1 innings and didn’t allow a single run. Verlander has allowed two runs over two playoff starts and has a 3.51 ERA and a 1.12 WHIP in the playoffs for his career. I’m rolling with the under at even money.

My apologies, I accidentally hit Over 9 when I clearly meant Under. Reposting: Justin Verlander vs. Jordan Montgomery and we get 9? (opened at 8.5) Done and done, even with how red-hot Houston has been and the fact it usually puts up whiffle ball numbers at Globe Life Field. Both bullpens will be emptied if necessary behind them with a day off Saturday but there were two total runs scored in Game 1 when they faced off. I definitely don't expect that few again. When the roof is open at GLP, the balls travels much better, but I would be stunned if it is today because of the earlier start time and the fact it's in the 90s in the Dallas area.

The over hit with ease in each of the first two Arlington games this series and it moves down to 9 here. That would be due to the pitching matchup of Justin Verlander vs. Jordan Montgomery, who squared off in a 2-0 Rangers win in Game 1. Neither pitcher in indestructible and with a quick turnaround for each lineup having just seen each pitcher less than a week ago, the bats will rule this game again. I'm expecting Montgomery to look more like he did in his start against the Orioles and Verlander was much more vulnerable than his stat line looked through his two playoff starts. The Rangers' bullpen is battered, too. It might be Astros-heavy here, but we'll get to 10 runs.

The series is tied 2-2 with the Rangers last two losses at home. The Astros have rediscovered the Rangers’ weaknesses. The Rangers have come back to earth. They’re still really good, but they’ve been exposed. This is where the ace comes in and Jordan Montgomery is that ace right now. He’s allowed six earned runs over his last seven starts and the Rangers won all three of his playoff starts. Ace to the rescue to put the fire out, Rangers to win.

Expect any different bet? Ridicule my RL plays all you want (I do), but I'm the only SL expert who won on Arizona today thanks to it. Tad surprised the Astros even opened as dogs as hot as they are and as dominant as they have been on the road this year and Arlington in particular (tend to think this will flip to Rangers +1.5 quickly). I really don't know why Texas manager Bruce Bochy used three pretty relevant relievers for the second game in a row Thursday with the game out of hand. The Houston bullpen is great shape at the back end with the rout. Half unit due to price in a Game 1 rematch between Jordan Montgomery and Justin Verlander.