The Houston Astros and Seattle Mariners will close out a three-game set on Wednesday afternoon. It’s time to continue our MLB odds series and make an Astros-Mariners prediction and pick.
The rubber match should be exciting as these two clubs have provided a ton of offense through the first two games of this series. There have been a whopping 33 runs scored, which isn't as surprising when you mention that the Houston Astros are involved. This AL West showdown between two teams with playoff aspirations should be full of fireworks.
Here’s how sportsbooks have set the opening Astros-Mariners odds.
MLB Odds: Astros-Mariners Odds
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Houston Astros -1.5 (+135)
Seattle Mariners +1.5 (-155)
Over 8.5 Runs (-115)
Under 8.5 Runs (-105)
Why The Astros Could Cover The Spread
The Houston Astros have been one of the best teams in all of baseball this season and have shown no signs of slowing down any time soon. They have a six-game lead over the Oakland Athletics in the AL West at 62-40. Houston has been terrific on the road with a 28-20 record and +1.71 average run differential. The Astros average 5.38 runs per game, which makes them the best offensive team in the Majors. They have been phenomenal lately with wins in four of their last five and 12 of their last 17 games to date.
Houston will turn to right-hander Jake Odorizzi for the rubber match. Odorizzi has been serviceable for Houston with a 3-5 record and 4.23 ERA through 13 outings. He has a solid 1.14 WHIP and has struck out 51 batters through 55.1 innings of work. The veteran has been much more effective lately with a 2.65 ERA over his last seven starts to date. He has been a bit shaky over his last three starts, but the savvy right-hander certainly knows how to maneuver through a younger lineup.
Why The Mariners Could Cover The Spread
The Seattle Mariners have been one of the most surprising and exciting teams in the Majors this season. They are currently one game back of the Oakland Athletics for the second wild-card spot in the American League. Seattle has won four of their last five games coming into the rubber match. They have also won four of their last five home games, improving their record to 33-22 at T-Mobile Park. The Mariners have a negative run differential, which tells me that they've steadily improved as the season has gone along.
Seattle will hand the ball to left-hander Yusei Kikuchi for the rubber match. Kikuchi has been impressive for the Mariners with a 6-5 record and 3.95 ERA through 18 outings. He has a 1.13 WHIP and has struck out 117 batters through 109.1 innings of work. The southpaw has struggled over his past few starts but turned in a solid six-inning outing against the Athletics in his most recent start on July 23.
Final Astros-Mariners Prediction & Pick
I am shocked that this total is so low after what we've seen through the first two games. This game features the best offense in baseball and another lineup that has gone toe-to-toe with them for 18 innings. We've seen 33 runs through the first two games and this pitching matchup doesn't explain a moderate run total. Take the over in a game that should feature a ton of offense once again.
FINAL PICK: Over 8.5 Runs (-115)
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