Tigers vs. Astros Pick
Can the Houston Astros fend off the Detroit Tigers when the two meet up in Houston tonight at 8:10PM ET?
According to oddsmakers at BetDSI, the Astros are the slight favorite at home, as they are getting odds of -130 to win. The Tigers are getting a money line of +120 to prevail, while the over/under total is listed at 8.5 runs. These two teams have yet to meet this season.
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The pitching matchup for this series opener has Michael Fulmer (5-1, 2.72 ERA) on the mound for the Tigers to face Brad Peacock (2-0, 1.10) of the Astros. Peacock is making his first start of the season. He has had a great year in relief thus far, pitching 16.1 innings while allowing just 2 earned runs and seven hits. He has 22 strikeouts with 10 walks. Fulmer is emerging as the ace for the Tigers. Detroit is 6-2 when he’s taken the mound. He has allowed just 16 earned runs in 53 innings of work. He has 13 walks with 46 strikeouts and a WHIP of 1.06.
Detroit is coming off a series loss at home to the Rangers this weekend. The Tigers are 21-21 overall and 9-11 on the road. Detroit is putting up 4.9 runs per game this season, but also allowing 5.12. The Tigers have had a nice boost at the plate since J.D. Martinez returned to the lineup. He has six home runs and 12 RBI while hitting .407 through nine games. Alex Avila is hitting .380 with five home runs and 18 RBI.
The Astros were surprisingly swept at home this weekend by the Indians. Houston is now 29-15 overall and 14-9 at home. Houston averages 5.00 runs per game while giving up 3.77 per contest. The Astros are led by Jose Altuve, who is hitting .307 with seven home runs and 21 RBI. Marin Gonzalez has added 10 home runs with 26 RBI.
Peacock has been great in relief, but it’s unclear what he will do in a start. I don’t think Houston can count on him for a long outing. Fulmer has been great for the Tigers, but he’s not likely going to pitch a complete game. This game is likely to come down to the bullpen, and Houston is much stronger in that department. Look for the Astros to rally late when the Detroit bullpen has another letdown.
MLB DAILY PREDICTION: HOUSTON ASTROS -130