Astros vs. D-Backs Sunday Prediction
Will the final game of this weekend’s series between the Houston Astros and Arizona Diamondbacks turn into a low-scoring affair for bettors at 4:10 p.m. ET?
Game Snapshot & Odds
929 Houston Astros (-205) at 930 Arizona Diamondbacks (+170); 8 runs
Sunday, May 6, 2018
4:10 p.m. ET, Chase Field
TV: HOU (ATTH); ARI (FSAZ)
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Public Betting Trends
Oddsmakers from online sportsbooks currently list the Astros as a -205 favorite. As of this writing, 69% of the betting tickets wagered at online sportsbooks are on the Astros to beat the Diamondbacks on the money line. This information is subject to change, however, so be sure to check out our MLB Public Betting Page for updated figures on this game.
Astros’ Verlander strikes out 14 over eight scoreless
Justin Verlander struck out 14 in eight scoreless innings Tuesday in a gem against the Yankees. There was no win for Verlander, though, as the Astros never could score, even once Yankees starter Jordan Montgomery exited after one with a sore elbow. The 14 strikeouts matched Verlander’s career high, which was established against the Diamondbacks in 2011 and matched a year later against the Yankees. He had struck out as many as a dozen just once since the beginning of 2014, that happening two years ago versus the Indians.
Diamondbacks’ Koch average in no-decision vs. Dodgers
Matt Koch allowed three runs – two earned – and four hits with three walks and three strikeouts over five innings in a no-decision Tuesday against the Dodgers. Koch went head-to-head with Clayton Kershaw and more than held his own, although he had a few mistakes. He issued an intentional walk to Max Muncy while also hitting a batter. The bullpen came on and worked four scoreless and hitless innings, as Silvino Bracho picked up the relief win and Brad Boxberger locked it down for his 10th save of the season. Next up for Koch is another tough matchup against Justin Verlander and the Astros on Sunday.
MLB Betting Trends
Houston
The Astros are 1-4 in their last five games but have won 14 of Verlander’s last 17 starts dating back to last season.
Arizona
The Diamondbacks are 15-7 in their last 22 home games but have struggled to the tune of 2-6 in their last eight interleague games.
Prediction:
The under is 5-2 in the last seven meetings between these two teams and while Koch makes me nervous, I like the under to cash again tonight. The under is 5-1 in the Astros’ last six games overall, is 4-1 in Verlander’s last five starts and has cashed in five of his last seven outings coming off a quality start in his last appearance. On the other side, the under is 4-0-1 in the Diamondbacks’ last five games, is 12-2-2 in their last 16 home games and is 4-1 in their last five interleague contests.
The Pick: Astros/Diamondbacks under 8