Nolan Writin Predictions for the Texas Rangers and Houston Astros ALCS matchup

West Jones

Oh goodness, the Lone Star State ALCS is actually going to happen. This should be an epic series featuring two teams that know each other well. No matter the outcome, the AL West will be represented in the World Series. So, who will it be that will move on from this southern showdown and take on the National League? It will be your Texas Rangers in six games. 

In both 2010 and 2011, the Rangers clinched the pennant at home, but this time it will be on the road. After a split in Houston, the Rangers will take two of three at home, before going back down I-45 for Nathan Eovaldi to deliver the knockout blow. Speaking of Eovaldi, he is going to be the series MVP by picking up two wins and leading the charge. 

To be the best, you have to beat the best, and that is what this series will signify. A changing of the guard so to speak. That isn’t to say that Houston is going to fade into a rebuild next year, but the Rangers will lay claim to being the team to beat not only in the AL West, but also the American League as a whole. Saddle up everyone, it’s going to be western at times, but hang on tight and don’t flinch. Let’s go Rangers!

Prediction: Texas Rangers win 4-2

Michael Sanders

I am so ready for this series to get underway. The waiting around is killing me. The series finally gets underway tonight. I have been perfect in two predictions this playoffs. I had Texas beating Tampa Bay in two and Baltimore in three. The series I cannot get out of my mind is 2018 when the Red Sox beat Houston in five games. The Red Sox were a far superior team to this Texas Rangers team. They were also facing an Astros team that was a defending World Series champion. They were a team that played strong defense and had a dominant starting rotation that included Nathan Eovaldi. The Red Sox won all three games in Houston and advanced to the World Series.

I think Texas comes into this series with a lot of momentum and belief. Houston did win 9 of the 13 games played. They swept Texas back in September. This is a drastically different Texas team than what Houston faced that week.

I think this Texas team flips the script on Houston. I think they come out aggressive and win both in Houston in games 1 and 2, I think the energy from the home crowd with Scherzer on the mound will be able to carry them to a 3-0 lead. I think Houston wins the bullpen game for Texas. Then Jordan Montgomery pitches a brilliant game 5 and delivers Texas to the World Series.

Prediction: Texas in 5

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