Astros vs Orioles Prediction - MLB Picks 8/9/23

Baltimore Orioles (70-43) vs Houston Astros (65-49)

Game Info: Wednesday, August 9, 2023 at 7:05 pm (Oriole Park at Camden Yards)

Jack Flaherty (8-6) (4.28) vs Cristian Javier (7-2) (4.39)

Betting Odds: Baltimore Orioles -116 / Houston Astros -111 --- Over/Under: 9 Click Here for the Latest Odds

The Baltimore Orioles will host the Houston Astros for game two of their three-game set this Wednesday from Camden Yards on the MLB Network. Houston came back and stole game one with a grand slam in the ninth, 7-6.

Astros Preview & Projected Starter

Houston enters at 65-49 after defeating Baltimore. The Astros came through with another late-game victory, and they’ll look to win their third straight on Wednesday. Houston offense is scoring 4.76 runs per game, while batting .248, with a .317 on-base percentage. The pitching staff carries a 3.81 ERA, with a 1.27 WHIP.

Cristian Javier (7-2, 4.39 ERA, 107 Ks) will get the call for Houston. The fourth-year pitcher couldn’t replicate his postseason success in the Bronx last time out, allowing three runs in just 4.2 innings en route to a ‘Stros loss. Javier’s been dealt a tough hand with five of his last six starts coming on the road, and it showed in his performance last month. Javier has allowed six runs or more in six of his last seven outings, and he’ll attempt to turn things around in Baltimore here.

Astros Player Trends & Props

• Kyle Tucker came through with the game-winning grand slam last night, and after producing a run in six of the last nine games, he leads the Astros in hits (116), with strong splits of .297/19/77.

• Alex Bregman had multiple hits in the game one win, and he’s posting a line of .244/18/70.

• Yordan Alvarez has recorded a hit in nine of the previous ten games, and he leads the ‘Stros in home runs (21), with 62 RBI.

• Jose Altuve brings a ten-game hit streak into this contest, and he’s batting .280.

• Jeremy Peña tied a season-high with three hits in Tuesday's victory, and he’s batting .244, with 39 RBI.

Orioles Preview & Projected Starter

Baltimore comes in at 70-42 after losing to Houston. The Orioles couldn’t hold off the Astros last night, and they’ll look to get back in the win column on Wednesday. The Baltimore offense is scoring 4.95 runs per game, while batting .252, with a .329 on-base percentage. The pitching staff carries a 4.09 ERA, with a 1.29 WHIP.

Jack Flaherty (8-6, 4.28 ERA, 114 Ks) will get the ball for Baltimore. The seventh-year pitcher made his presence felt immediately with a strong outing in Toronto, striking out eight over six innings of work en route to his eighth victory. Flaherty's Orioles debut was great, and his final month with the Cardinals also went pretty well, as he’s posted a 4-1 record through six starts since July 1st. will make his first appearance as an Oriole here in game four. Flaherty opened July with a pair of scoreless outings against Miami and New York, before earning a victory over new regional rival Washington.

Orioles Player Trends & Props

• Adley Rutschmann homered in the game one defeat, and after producing a run in seven straight games, he leads Baltimore in hits (112), with splits of .273/15/55.

• Anthony Santander was quiet in Tuesday’s loss, but he still leads Baltimore in HR (19) and RBI (62).

• Ryan Mountcastle has totaled multiple bases in all three contests in Toronto, and he’s posting a line of .266/13/51.

• Gunnar Henderson has recorded a hit in eight of the last ten games, and he’s tied for the team-lead in home runs (19), with 51 RBI.

Corey’s Free Pick

Houston came through and stole game one from Baltimore last night with timely hitting, and I think the bats will leave their effect on the game once again here. Cristian Javier hasn’t been himself as of late, and after letting last night’s contest slip away from them, the O’s should come out swinging here. The Astros lineup may also present a test for Jack Flaherty in his first start at Camden, and I like targeting the total for this contest. Let’s back the Over for game two of the Houston/Baltimore series.