MLB's 2013 Opening Day is here and don't miss the game on your television as the Texas Rangers meet the Houston Astros in Miller Park. Check out game time, pitching matchups and predictions for this anticipated matchup. Here's where you can watch the game on your television.
Where to Watch: ESPN
Game Time: 8 p.m. ET/5 p.m. PT
The arrival of the 2013 baseball season means ESPN Sunday Night Baseball is back with the game will be carrying the game. Join the crew as they bring the fanfare of the beginning of the 2013 baseball season. Though game time is set at 8 p.m. ET, give it about 20-30 minutes before first pitch as the national anthem will be sung and Opening Day ceremonies are expected.
Watch the pitching matchup that awaits.
The Rangers will have their dynamic lefty, Matt Harrison, on the mound Sunday night. He will attempt to improve on a 2012 campaign where he was pretty successful going 18-11 with a 3.29 ERA and 1.26 WHIP. The lefty became a part of the Rangers back in 2008 when he was traded by the Atlanta Braves to Texas for Mark Teixeira. In five MLB seasons, the 27-year-old is 48-30 with World Series experience and an All-Star.
For the Astros, their highest paid player, Bud Norris, will take the hill. He's 28 years old and is the ace of the staff. Norris is a power pitcher as he possesses the stuff to strikeout major league hitters. In his career, he's pitched 563.2 innings and he has 553 strikeouts, giving him a K/9 Ratio of 8.8. In 2013, Norris struggled going 7-13 with a 4.65 ERA and 1.37 WHIP with 165 strikeouts in 168.1 innings pitched.
The Rangers will attempt to bounce back from a disappointing 2012 campaign that finished with a Wild Card berth and a quick elimination from the playoffs at the hands of the Baltimore Orioles. For Houston, they will simply try to get their young players some time at the big league level. It could be a turning point for the Astros as, depending on their rookies' performances, they could attract free agents in 2014.
For those who don't have ESPN, check out the live blog with play-by-play and starting lineups for this game as many around the world have been awaiting for Major League Baseball to begin.
Check out season predictions for both of these teams in the Related Articles section. Follow me on Twitter @Frankie_SWR.
