Diamondbacks vs. Astros Pick
Will the first-place Houston Astros turn away the Arizona Diamondbacks Wednesday night at 8:10PM EST?
According to oddsmakers at sports book BetDSI, the Astros are a -155 favorite to win. The Diamondbacks are a +140 underdog, while the over-under is set at 9.
Taijuan Walker (6-6, 3.76 ERA) will be on the mound for Arizona, while the Astros give the ball to Charlie Morton (9-5, 3.83).
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Walker has been a solid option much of the season, a reliable six-inning starter who occasionnally looks like an ace on the mound. He is coming off a subpar outing, however, as he gave up five runs (four earned) on five hits with two strikeouts and three walks in an 8-3 loss to the Cubs. The Diamondbacks have lost his last six starts. Morton has flashed an increased strikeout rate this year, which can be attributed to added velocity. After surrendering four earned runs in four of six starts earlier this season, he has been solid of late and hasn’t given up more than three earned runs in the four starts since. He has 110 strikeouts in 100 1/3 innings.
The two teams are beginning the back end of a home-and-home, having played the previous two games in Arizona. The Diamondbacks won game one on Monday by a score of 2-0, while the Astros rebounded for a 9-4 win yesterday. Arizona 66-53 overall and 27-30 on the road, while Houston is 73-46 and 40-21 at home.
Houston pounded Arizona rookie starter Anthony Banda, scoring five in the second inning and pushing its lead to 8-0 by the fourth before the D-backs clawed back slightly with a three-spot. Max Stassi homered, while J.D. Davis doubled twice to pace the Astrost offense.
Bet on Diamondbacks vs. Astros
Walker is due to get a win anytime now as he’s suffered bad luck in recent weeks, but here is not the spot. The Astros possess a lethal lineup and Morton is a reliable pitcher, plus Arizona has been mediocre on the road this year.
MLB DAILY PREDICTION: HOUSTON ASTROS -155