Rays vs. Astros Prediction
The win streak for the Houston Astros continues. Will they up the streak to 13 games tonight when they play host to the Tampa Bay Rays at 8:10PM ET?
Game Snapshot & Odds
915 Tampa Bay Rays at 916 Houston Astros
Tuesday, June 19, 2018
8:10PM ET – Minute Maid Park
TV: ATSW (Hou); SUN (TB)
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Public Betting Trends
According to oddsmakers, the Astros are heavily favored, as they are getting odds of -265 to win. The Rays are listed with a money line of +225 on the road, while the over/under total for the contest has been set at 7 runs. The public betting for this game has 79 percent of the wagers going on Houston at home. This information is subject to change, however, so be sure to check out our MLB Public Betting Page for updated figures on the game.
Rays edged in opener
Tampa suffered a 5-4 loss at Houston in Monday’s series opener for the Rays fourth loss in five games. Tampa now holds a 33-39 record overall and an 18-23 record on the road. Tampa is averaging just 3.94 runs per game this season while allowing 4.14 per contest.
Blake Snell takes the mound for the Rays this evening. He has been a bright spot for the team, going 8-4 over 15 starts with a 2.58 ERA and a 1.03 WHIP. Snell has pitched 87.1 innings and has 97 strikeouts with 29 walks.
Astros continue to roll
With Monday’s victory, the Astros have won their last 12 games and have scored at least five runs in eight straight. Houston is now holding a 49-25 overall record and 20-14 record at home. The Astros are scoring 5.24 runs per game this year while allowing 3.11 per contest.
Justin Verlander gets the start for the Astros tonight. He is 9-2 through 15 starts this year and has a 1.61 ERA and a 0.76 WHIP. Verlander has pitched a total of 100.1 innings and has 20 walks with 120 strikeouts.
MLB Betting Trends
Tampa
The Rays are just 1-10 in their last 11 road games and they have lost nine straight road games against a right-handed starter.
Houston
The Astros have won 19 of Verlander’s last 25 starts and six of his last eight starts against a team with a losing record.
Prediction:
Verlander is having one of the best seasons of his career and I don’t think the Rays will give him a lot of trouble. Snell has been very good for Tampa as well, but he doesn’t get deep into games. That is where the game should turn to Houston’s favor. I don’t think this will be a high-scoring game, and Houston will get a few runs late to grab the victory.
The Pick: Houston Astros -265