Athletics vs. Astros Pick
Can the Houston Astros string together another win over the Oakland Athletics when the two meet up tonight at 7:10PM ET?
According to oddsmakers at Bovada.lv, Houston is the favorite at home, as the Astros are getting odds of -165 to win. Oakland is listed with a money line of +155 to win, while the over/under total for the game has been set at 9.5 runs.
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Tonight’s pitching matchup has Kendall Graveman (3-3, 4.70 ERA) on the mound for Oakland to face Collin McHugh (0-2, 4.88) of the Astros. Graveman has allowed multiple runs in eight straight starts and has given up 13 runs over his last three starts. He has 42 strikeouts with 17 walks this season and a 1.40 WHIP. McHugh has also been struggling somewhat as well, allowing nine runs over his last two starts. He has 28 strikeouts with nine walks and a 1.34 WHIP this season.
Houston opened this series on Friday with a 3-1 win at home. The Astros have now won three straight between these two and eight of the last nine meetings this year. Oakland is now 53-69 overall and 19-38 on the road. Houston is 75-47 overall and 35-26 at home.
On Friday, Dallas Keuchel got back on track, pitching seven scoreless innings to get his 11th win of the season. Ken Giles added his 24th save on 1.2 innings of work. Sean Manaea took the loss despite allowing just three runs over six innings. Jose Altuve had two hits, including a home run to lead the Astros at the plate. Matt Joyce had a solo home run for the Athletics.
Houston got a nice boost from their ace on Friday and I think that can carry over tonight for McHugh, who needs to get back on track as well. Oakland isn’t a lineup that is too scary outside of a few power hitters. The Athletics need superior pitching to win this one, and they aren’t going to get it from Graveman. Houston should be able to keep his struggles going and ride the way to another win.
MLB DAILY PREDICTION: HOUSTON ASTROS -165