The Astros won the opener of a three-game series on Friday evening in San Diego against the Padres. It’s time to continue our MLB odds series and make a Astros-Padres prediction and pick.
The Astros remain in strong control of the American League West lead, while the Padres have fallen out of the Wild Card standings. However, they still just remain just 1/2 game behind the Reds for that elusive final spot. Despite the Padres struggles, don't be mistaken – they are still one of baseball's premier teams and this could very much be a World Series preview.
Here’s how the bookmakers have set the lines for Saturday's matchup.
MLB Odds: Astros-Padres Odds
Houston Astros (+102)
San Diego Padres (-112)
Over 7 1/2 (+102)
Under 7 1/2 (-122)
*Watch MLB games LIVE with fuboTV (Click for free trial)*
Why The Astros Could Win
Over his last four starts, Framber Valdez is been one of the best pitchers in baseball. Since August 11, he is 2-1 with a 2.03 ERA. He has also struck out 26 batters in that span. On August 22 against the Mariners, Valdez tossed seven shutout innings, allowing just three hits, one walk, while striking out six Mariner batters. In his latest start, Valdez earned the win, allowing two runs across seven frames. Earlier this season (actually his first start of the season overall), he pitched four innings against these Padres, allowing one run. This is actually the first time the ‘Stros have been underdogs in their past ten games; but clearly they're a World Series contender and Valdez has been very impressive. If Valdez can pitch as he did in August, Houston's dynamic offense should have no problem putting up several runs to back Valdez and give him the win.
Why The Padres Could Win
Outside of one bad start against the D'Backs, Joe Musgrove had a phenomenal August. In three of his starts last month, he pitched exactly six innings, allowing exactly one run. Then last weekend, Musgrove threw an absolute gem – a nine inning, complete game shutout against the Angels, striking out nine batters while allowing just three hits and two walks. Musgrove also remains the only pitcher in Padres history to throw a no-hitter, which he accomplished earlier this season against the Rangers. And speaking of dominance against Texas-teams, Musgrove faced these Astros earlier this year as well. On May 30, Musgrove pitched five hitless, runless innings in relief. Musgrove is one of the best pitchers in the major leagues and he should have no problem shutting down these Astros, as evidenced by his latest stats and his work against the Houston lineup in May. The Padres top five hitters in the lineup might be the best in baseball and should be able to tack on at least a few runs to back up another gem by Musgrove.
Final Astros-Padres Prediction & Pick
In what should be an incredible pitching matchup, this has the potential to be a scoreless game headed into the seventh inning. I think Musgrove can push eight, maybe nine innings again. That being said, the Astros lineup is almost, if not better, than San Diego's. And getting plus money on the Astros here in a game that seems like a 50/50 toss up appears to be the best way to bet this game.
FINAL PICK: Astros MONEYLINE (+102)
Follow Us
Subscribe