Houston Astros (77-66) vs Oakland Athletics (62-82)
Game Info: Wednesday, September 11, 2024 at 8:10 pm (Minute Maid Park)
Hunter Brown (11-7) (3.41) vs Joey Estes (6-7) (4.46)
Betting Odds: Houston Astros -227 / Oakland Athletics +188 --- Over/Under: 8.5 Click Here for the Latest Odds
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The Oakland A’s and the Houston Astros meet Wednesday in MLB action from Minute Maid Park. We will look at this from a betting perspective and determine the best bets for this game. Here’s an Oakland A’s vs. Houston Astros prediction.
Starting Pitching Matchup
The Oakland A’s will send out Joey Estes for the start here and Estes is 6-7 with a 4.46 ERA and 86 strikeouts this season. This will be Estes’ second career start against Houston. The Houston Astros will give Hunter Brown the start here and Brown is 11-7 with a 3.41 ERA and 161 strikeouts this season. In his last five starts against Oakland, Brown is 3-0 with a 1.80 ERA and 38 strikeouts.
Oakland A’s Recap
The Oakland A’s will be looking to build on Tuesday’s series-opening 4-3 win in extra innings over the Astros. The win gives the A’s the fast track to rebound from their series loss to the Detroit Tigers this past weekend.
A’s Looking To Play Spoiler Vs. Rival Astros
Brent Rooker leads the A’s with 142 hits and 99 RBIs along with 35 home runs this season while Lawrence Butler has 21 home runs, 54 RBIs, and 22 doubles. JJ Bleday has a team-high 39 doubles, 4 triples, 126 hits and 55 RBIs. Rooker also has 155 K’s at the dish this season, while Zack Gelof has the unfortunate title of leading strikeout bat with 165 strikeouts this season. Shea Langeliers has also chipped in 25 home runs and 69 RBIs.
Why the Oakland Athletics will win
- The Astros have lost each of their last three games as home favorites after going to extra innings.
- The Athletics have won three of their last four games as underdogs against the Astros.
- The Athletics have covered the run line in 12 of their last 13 night games against AL West opponents.
- The Astros have failed to cover the run line in seven of their last eight games as home favorites against AL West opponents following a loss.
Houston Astros Recap
The Houston Astros come into this one looking to rebound after starting the set on the wrong foot with their loss to the A’s on Tuesday. The loss put Houston at risk of failing to build on their series win over the Diamondbacks from their last series this past weekend.
Astros Trying To Secure AL West Title
Jose Altuve has 174 hits and a .304 batting average with 19 home runs, 62 RBIs, and 28 doubles while Yordan Alvarez also has 32 homers with 80 RBIs and 31 doubles. Altuve has the Astros’ team lead with 20 stolen bases so far this season. Jeremy Pena also has 145 hits and a .267 batting average as well as 16 stolen bases of his own this season. Alex Bregman’s added 22 homers 65 RBIs and 27 doubles also.
Why the Houston Astros will win
- The Athletics have lost each of their last eight Wednesday road games against AL West opponents.
- The Astros have won 12 of their last 13 Wednesday games against American League opponents that held a losing record.
- The Athletics have failed to cover the run line in each of their last five road games after going to extra innings.
- The Astros have covered the run line in six of their last seven night games against American League opponents following a home loss.
A's vs. Astros Prediction
I’m on the Astros here. Sure, Oakland got one up on the Astros on Tuesday, but now we have a completely different situation. I like backing Estes a lot more in Oakland where his ERA has been much better this season, but on the road he’s had major issues and I don’t expect them to be fixed here. On the other side, Hunter Brown’s on another level as he’s rebounded nicely with Cy Young caliber numbers since the beginning of May. I just think Brown shuts down Oakland here so I’ll back the Astros here.
Chris’s Pick Houston -1.5
AUTHOR: Chris Ruffolo
Follow Chris Ruffolo on Twitter @ruffthepickdawg