As most of y'all know, I'm a very pessimistic Astros fan. If you don't know that already, then try to keep up will ya'?

Anyway, one of the first things you need to know about this three-game set in Arlington at the Ballpark that Dubya Built is it's going to be hotter than fresh-fukced sheep. Looking at first-pitch temps in the mid-90s all three nights. And the stadium is horrible in terms of allowing much of a breeze for fans, especially those seated low.
The heat could definitely play a factor in how long starting pitchers last, with Houston's likely to be more affected than Texas' arms due to the fact starters in Houston on a night like this would be indoors with the AC on.
The last five series between these two at the Rangers' park have seen Texas take Game 1 each time, and cover the run line in the series opener each of those five series. Houston is 5-10 in those five series, the only won they pulled out was 2006. Texas swept in 2005, and have taken two of three each of the past two seasons.
I know, I know. Houston has been playing pretty well since we flipped the calendars from May to June. They have managed to win their last five series, and are the last team to beat the red-hot Rockies. Still, I like the Rangers to win tonight and take two of three.
One note about the weather tonight: They're showing South winds at 10-20 (in from center), so that could knock down some of the balls that get up into the normal NW jet stream in that park.

Anyway, one of the first things you need to know about this three-game set in Arlington at the Ballpark that Dubya Built is it's going to be hotter than fresh-fukced sheep. Looking at first-pitch temps in the mid-90s all three nights. And the stadium is horrible in terms of allowing much of a breeze for fans, especially those seated low.
The heat could definitely play a factor in how long starting pitchers last, with Houston's likely to be more affected than Texas' arms due to the fact starters in Houston on a night like this would be indoors with the AC on.
The last five series between these two at the Rangers' park have seen Texas take Game 1 each time, and cover the run line in the series opener each of those five series. Houston is 5-10 in those five series, the only won they pulled out was 2006. Texas swept in 2005, and have taken two of three each of the past two seasons.
I know, I know. Houston has been playing pretty well since we flipped the calendars from May to June. They have managed to win their last five series, and are the last team to beat the red-hot Rockies. Still, I like the Rangers to win tonight and take two of three.
One note about the weather tonight: They're showing South winds at 10-20 (in from center), so that could knock down some of the balls that get up into the normal NW jet stream in that park.