Indians vs. Astros Prediction
The last two American League champions are set to begin a featured weekend series tonight at 8:10PM ET. Here’s our prediction for the Cleveland Indians vs. the Houston Astros.
Game Snapshot & Odds
919 Cleveland Indians at 920 Houston Astros
Friday, May 18, 2018
8:10PM ET – Minute Maid Park
TV: STO (Cle); ATSW (Hou)
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Public Betting Trends
According to oddsmakers, the Astros are favored at home, as they are getting odds of -175 to win. Cleveland is listed with a money line of +155 to prevail. The over/under total for the contest has been set at 8 runs. The public betting for this game currently has 57 percent of the wagers going on Cleveland on the road. This information is subject to change, however, so be sure to check out our MLB Public Betting Page for updated figures on the game.
Cleveland struggling with average
The Indians have been hovering right around .500 for a while now and see themselves right at the mark after losing two of three at Detroit this week. The Indians are 21-21 overall with an 8-12 record on the road. The Indians are putting up 4.93 runs per game this season while allowing 4.40 per contest.
Cleveland sends one of its best pitchers to the mound tonight in Mike Clevinger. He is 3-0 through eight starts with a 2.70 ERA and a 1.07 WHIP. Clevinger has pitched 53.1 innings this season and has recorded 44 strikeouts with 14 walks.
Houston pitching locked in
The Astros have won four of their last five and seven of their last nine thanks to dominant pitching. Over their last nine, they have allowed just 13 total runs and held eight of their last nine opponents to two runs or less. Houston is now 28-17 overall with a 12-10 record at home. The Astros give up an average of just 2.58 runs per game while driving in 4.67 per game at the plate.
Charlie Morton gets the start for the Astros tonight. He has a 5-0 record through eight starts with a 2.03 ERA and a 0.97 WHIP. Morton has 62 strikeouts and 17 walks through 48.2 innings of work.
MLB Betting Trends
Cleveland
The Indians have won five of Clevinger’s last six road starts but are just 2-6 in their last eight road games overall. They have also dropped five straight series openers.
Houston
The Astros have won eight of Morton’s last 11 home starts and his last four series openers. They also are 17-6 in their last 23 Friday games.
Prediction:
While I can see Clevinger going toe-to-toe with Morton tonight, the issue for Cleveland comes in the bullpen. Their pen, which was usually a strength, has been a disappointment this year. Houston doesn’t have that issue. Their bullpen has been able to lock down most games for their starters.
The Pick: Houston Astros -175