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The Cleveland Guardians take on the Houston Astros. Check out our MLB odds series for our Guardians Astros prediction and pick.
Cal Quantrill gets the starting assignment for the Guardians, while Cristian Javier gets the call for the Astros.
Cal Quantrill has a 3.48 ERA. He is definitely one of those five-inning, two-run pitchers we discuss quite often in these MLB odds betting previews. He has allowed more than three runs once in seven starts so far this season, and he has allowed fewer than two runs once in seven starts this season. Most of his outings (five of seven) involve giving up two or three runs in five or six innings, usually six. He won't dominate, but he won't let games get out of hand. Given that the Astros have had their struggles at the plate this season, it is reasonable to think Quantrill can meet the five-inning, two-run standard and give Cleveland a good chance. Keep this in mind when making a Guardians Astros prediction.
Cristian Javier has a 2.87 ERA. He has been used as both a reliever and a spot starter by Dusty Baker this year with the Astros. He has made eight appearances this season: three appearances of five to six innings, four appearances ranging from three to 3 2/3 innings, and one appearance which lasted 1 2/3 innings. His 2.87 ERA is the product of one bad outing this year. He gave up seven runs in 3 2/3 innings to the Nationals on May 14. Take away that one disaster, and his ERA would be under 1.00 for the season. This is something to remember when making a Guardians Astros pick.
Courtesy of FanDuel, here are the Guardians-Astros MLB odds.
MLB Odds: Guardians-Astros Odds
Cleveland Guardians: +1.5 (-118)
Houston Astros: -1.5 (-102)
Over: 8.5 (-115)
Under: 8.5 (-105)
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Why The Guardians Could Cover the Spread
The Guardians took three of four from the Blue Jays in a series earlier this season against a team viewed to be an American League pennant contender. The Guardians have split these first two games in Houston against the defending American League champion Astros. The Guardians have a winning record against the Chicago White Sox, the team widely favored to win the American League Central Division this year. Cleveland has shown that it can go toe to toe against talented American League opponents, and this series in Houston has been no exception. Moreover, the Guardians have to like the pitching matchup, with steady-but-unspectacular Cal Quantrill going against a spot starter. This is not Framber Valdez or Justin Verlander. This is a pitcher they can attack. It is worth evaluating Cleveland's chances when looking at the Guardians Astros odds.
Why The Astros Could Cover the Spread
The most amazing statistic surrounding the 2022 Astros is that when they score at least three runs in a game, they have lost only three times this season. They have had a lot of games in which they have scored under three runs, which is why they haven't yet run away with the American League West, but it is still remarkable how often they win when they score three runs. Usually, three runs should not be enough to win, but the Astros' pitching has been so good this season that they have been able to make it stand up. Houston should be able to score at least three against Quantrill and the Cleveland bullpen.
Final Guardians-Astros Prediction & Pick
The Astros' ability to make three runs stand up is remarkable. If they score five, they should be a good choice on the run line.
Final Guardians-Astros Prediction & Pick: Astros -1.5
