Detroit Tigers vs. Houston Astros, 7/14/2018 Prediction & Odds

Tigers vs. Astros Saturday Prediction

The Houston Astros will look to make it two in a row against the visiting Detroit Tigers at 4:10 p.m. ET on Saturday. Is there any value on the underdog's runline for bettors?

Game Snapshot & Odds

969 Detroit Tigers (+225) at 970 Houston Astros (-270); 7.5 runs

Saturday, July 14, 2018

4:10 p.m. ET, Minute Maid Park

TV: DET (FSD); HOU (ATTH)

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Public Betting Trends

Oddsmakers from online sportsbooks currently list the Astros as a -270 favorite. As of this writing, 78% of the betting tickets wagered at online sportsbooks are on the Astros to beat the Tigers on the moneyline. This information is subject to change, however, so be sure to check out our MLB Public Betting Page for updated figures on this game.

Tigers' Fulmer pitches well but takes loss vs. Rangers

Michael Fulmer allowed two earned runs in seven innings but took the loss on Sunday to the Rangers. Fulmer struggled in the first two innings, allowing three runs in that time frame, although one of those runs was unearned. He settled down nicely after that, but Austin Bibens-Dirkx threw five-plus shutout innings to prevent Fulmer from picking up a victory. The 25-year-old right-hander now owns an ERA on the season of 4.11, with a WHIP of 1.27 and 91 strikeouts in just-over 107 innings. He’ll look to improve upon those numbers before the first half ends when he takes on the Astros on Saturday.

Astros' Cole strikes out 11 in gem vs. A's

Gerrit Cole fanned 11 over six scoreless innings versus the A's on Monday. Cole reached double figures in strikeouts in five of his first seven starts this season, but this is the first time he's done it since May 4. It's also the first time since that May 4 game that he's gone without allowing a run. He's still been perfectly solid in the two months since (6-1, 3.68 ERA in 11 starts), but the dominant numbers weren't quite there. Maybe they're coming back.

MLB Betting Trends

Detroit

The Tigers are just 7-19 in Fulmer's last 26 starts.

Houston

The Astros are 15-4 in Cole's last 19 starts and 5-1 in his last six home outings.

Prediction:

I actually see some value in taking the Tigers on the runline. In his last 33 2/3 innings of work, Fulmer owns a 3.48 ERA and 1.19 WHIP. He's allowed just three home runs and will limit soft contact. The Astros are 7-3 over their last 10 games but the All-Star break is approaching and I could see them taking their foot off the gas two days before they get some time off.

 

The Pick: Detroit Tigers +1.5