Indians vs. Astros Prediction
The Houston Astros won handily yesterday at home over the Cleveland Indians to begin its World Series defense this postseason. Will Houston win again today to take a commanding 2-0 series lead?
Game Snapshot
951 Cleveland Indians at 952 Houston Astros
Saturday, October 6, 2018
Minute Maid Park at 4:37PM ET
TV: TBS
Compare odds from multiple different online sportsbooks and shop for the best lines at our Baseball Odds & Betting Page.
Public Betting Information
According to oddsmakers at BetNow.eu, the Astros are a -160 favorite to win on the moneyline. The Indians are a +150 underdog, while the total is set at 7 runs. As of Saturday morning, 66 percent of public bets are being placed on host Houston. Check out our MLB Public Betting Page for the latest info.
Astros sock four home runs
Houston used the long ball and strong pitching yesterday to defeat Cleveland 7-2 in Game 1 of the NLDS. George Springer was 2-for-4 with a solo home run and two runs scored from the leadoff spot to help pace the offense. Jose Altuve finished 1-for-4 with a solo homer. Alex Bregman was 2-for-3 with a home run, a walk and two RBIs. Yuli Gurriel went 1-for-3 with a double, a walk and a run. Tyler White ended the contest 2-for-3. Josh Reddick finished 2-for-4 with two RBIs. Martin Maldonado went 1-for-4 with a solo home run. Justin Verlander picked up the win as he allowed two earned runs on two hits with seven strikeouts and two walks over 5 1/3 innings.
Kluber struggles in loss
Cleveland ace Corey Kluber took the loss Friday as he surrendered four earned runs on six hits with two strikeouts and two walks over 4 2/3 innings. Francisco Lindor finished 1-for-4 and scored a run. Jose Ramirez was 0-for-3, but walked once and drove in a run. Yan Gomes ended the game 1-for-3 and scored a run.
Carlos Carrasco (17-10, 3.38 ERA) will start Game 2 today for Cleveland, while Houston is going with Gerrit Cole (15-5, 2.88).
MLB Betting Trends
Cleveland
The under is 7-2 in the last nine Indians playoff games. Cleveland is 2-6 in its last eight playoff games.
Houston
The under is 7-0-1 in the last eight Astros games. Houston is 21-6 in its last 27 games overall.
Prediction:
Carrasco’s ERA is almost a run lower on the road than at home this season, while Cole has a sparkling WHIP and strikeout rate while excelling no matter home or away. I think the strongest play on the board today is the under as we should be seeing a pitcher’s duel with these two starting pitchers dealing plus strong bullpens.
MLB DAILY PREDICTION: INDIANS/ASTROS UNDER 7