ASTROS VS. A'S
5 important elements in Astros push to even series against Athletics
Sep 11, 2024, 12:45 pm
Hunter Brown takes the hill for Houston. Photo by Logan Riely/Getty Images.
The Houston Astros will look to bounce back in the second game of a three-game series after dropping the opener to the Oakland Athletics. The Astros, sitting atop the AL West with a 77-67 record, have been strong at home this season with a 41-31 record. Oakland, 63-82 overall, enters Wednesday's matchup fresh off a series-opening win, aiming to keep the momentum going.
Pitching probables
The Astros will send Hunter Brown (11-7, 3.41 ERA) to the mound. Brown has been one of Houston’s more consistent pitchers, striking out 161 batters this season while maintaining a 1.27 WHIP. Oakland counters with Joey Estes (6-7, 4.46 ERA), who has a 1.13 WHIP and 86 strikeouts, aiming to contain Houston’s potent offense.
Astros overview
Houston's offense is anchored by Yordan Alvarez, who leads the team with 65 extra-base hits, including 32 home runs. Alex Bregman has also been productive lately, going 9-for-38 with two home runs over the last 10 games. The Astros will need their bats to come alive as they continue their pursuit of solidifying playoff positioning. Houston leads MLB with the eighth-best on-base percentage at .321 and will look to exploit Oakland’s pitching.
Athletics overview
Oakland, though struggling this season, has some bright spots, including Brent Rooker, who leads the team with a .298 batting average and 35 home runs. Lawrence Butler has also been in good form recently, hitting 16-for-42 over his last 10 games. The A's offense will need to capitalize on any opportunities against Hunter Brown, as they look to spoil Houston’s playoff aspirations.
Recent form
The Astros come into the game with a 5-5 record in their last 10 games, batting .259 as a team while posting a 3.40 ERA. Oakland has gone 4-6 over the same stretch, batting .242 with a 4.67 ERA. Though outscored by 23 runs in their last 10 games, the A’s will look to build off their series-opening win.
Betting line
The Astros are heavy favorites at -239, while the Athletics are +194 underdogs. The over/under for total runs in the game is set at 8.
Houston will need to clean up their play if they want to even the series, while Oakland hopes to continue their role as a spoiler.
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The Houston Astros (81-69, first in the AL West) will face the San Diego Padres (86-65, second in the NL West) on Tuesday night in San Diego. After the Padres took the series opener, both teams will look to continue their push toward the postseason.
Pitching Matchup:
- Astros: Hunter Brown (11-8, 3.59 ERA, 1.29 WHIP, 168 strikeouts)
- Padres: Michael King (12-9, 3.06 ERA, 1.21 WHIP, 191 strikeouts)
Brown will aim to keep the Astros in control of the AL West, while King seeks to build on his strong season as the Padres fight for a playoff spot.
Team Outlook: San Diego holds a 41-35 record at home and has thrived when hitting for power, going 38-13 when hitting two or more home runs. They’ll rely on key players like Manny Machado and Fernando Tatis Jr., who has been on a hot streak with four homers in his last 10 games.
Houston, meanwhile, remains dangerous on the road with a 39-37 record. They have been efficient offensively, going 62-9 in games where they score five or more runs. Jose Altuve continues to be a key contributor with 29 doubles and a .302 batting average, while Yainer Diaz has been swinging a hot bat recently.
Recent Form:
- Padres: 6-4 in their last 10 games, hitting .279 with a 2.70 team ERA and a run differential of +16.
- Astros: 6-4 in their last 10 games, hitting .291 with a 3.91 ERA, outscoring opponents by 13 runs.
With both teams in good form, Tuesday's game promises to be another competitive matchup.
Betting Line: Padres -115, Astros -104, over/under 7.5 runs.
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*ChatGPT aided with this article.