Look for Texas Tech and West Virgina to hit the over this weekend. Thomas B. Shea/Getty Images
Jay K. Stark provides weekly gambling selections for SportsMap and Houstonsportsandstuff:
It's been a crazy last few weeks for me. I apologize for not providing recaps and updating the record. I will update everything this weekend. 2-2 last weekend.
All plays $55 to win $50
West Virginia / Texas Tech over 74.5 I think this is about 3 points too low. Both teams have played in primetime spots the last couple of weeks and neither looked great on offense. People forget these teams score points. 2 coaches that really like each other and will break out everything in the play book to get a win. The number is too low.
Alabama - 19.5 1st half Saban is pissed. When he's grumpy, I'll roll with the tide. I'm not sure who he plays in the 2nd half. Arkansas sucks. I think it gets ugly fast. The Tide should cover three touchdowns in the first half.
Duke +7 The Duke Miami game was closer than the score indicated. I'm not sure what FSU is playing for here. Duke should be able to hang in this spot. FSU is coming off a monster letdown.
Chiefs/Texans/Patriots/Astros ML parlay ($25)
As always, any questions or hate mail please direct them to me @jayoff288
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How Astros just put league on notice with dominant pitching, clutch hitting
Jun 26, 2025, 7:08 pm
Cam Smith hit an RBI single in the eighth inning to give the Houston Astros a 2-1 win over the Philadelphia Phillies on Thursday.
CAM SMITH COMES THROUGH! #BuiltForThis pic.twitter.com/Y6dtPpXF9J
— Houston Astros (@astros) June 26, 2025
The rookie's second hit of the game came off Orion Kerkering (5-3) and gave the Astros their fourth straight win.
Brandon Marsh tied the game on a sacrifice fly in the top of the inning to end the Phillies' 26-inning scoreless streak.
The Astros took a 1-0 lead on Yainer Diaz’s RBI single in the second inning. They only managed three more hits off Phillies starter Christopher Sanchez, who struck out 11 with zero walks over six innings. Sanchez has not issued a walk in three straight starts.
Hunter Brown lowered his league best ERA to 1.74 by scattering three singles over seven shutout innings, with nine strikeouts. He did not allow a runner to reach second base.
FULL THROTTLE.
Hunter Brown now leads the MLB in lowest ERA (1.74). #BuiltForFuel pic.twitter.com/nkwT2MpgJQ
— Houston Astros (@astros) June 26, 2025
Bryan Abreu (3-3) struck out Trea Turner to end the eighth, and then struck out Kyle Schwarber, Alec Bohm, and Nick Castellanos in the ninth.
Abreu joined Julia Morales after the game and talked about his impressive performance!
🧹🧹🧹
After the @Astros completed their sweep of the Phillies, @JuliaMorales visited with Bryan Abreu!#BuiltForThis pic.twitter.com/UeOOSNDKwW
— Space City Home Network (@SpaceCityHN) June 26, 2025
Rafael Marchán had two of the Phillies' four hits. Bryson Stott reached base twice and scored the Phillies' lone run.
Key moment
Smith’s RBI.
Key stat
Brown’s 1.74 ERA is the fourth best in Astros history through 16 starts and the best since Justin Verlander posted a 1.60 ERA through 16 starts in 2018.
Up next
The Astros open a three-game series against the Cubs on Friday with LHP Brandon Walter (0-1 3.80 ERA) on the mound.
The Phillies open a three-game series at the Braves on Friday with RHP Mick Abel (2-1 3.47 ERA) against Atlanta RHP Bryce Elder (2-4 4.77).