The Houston Astros and the Arizona Diamondbacks meet Friday in MLB action from Chase Field. This matchup marks the first game of the final regular-season series. The Astros are coming off a matchup versus the Mariners. Houston managed to win two of three games in that series. As for Arizona, they just finished up against the White Sox. After wins in the first two games, on Thursday the Diamondbacks took a two-run loss. Check back all season long for free MLB picks at Sports Chat Place.

Houston Astros 

The Astros were able to take a 5-1 win over the Mariners on Monday but then fell 6-2 in game two. On Wednesday in the rubber match Houston took the series with an 8-3 victory. Mauricio Dubon (three RBI), Yordan Alvarez (two runs) and Martin Maldonado each posted a home run in the win. 

In the starting pitcher role for Friday’s game, the Astros are sending out JP France. This year in 24 games (23 starts) France is 11-6 with a 3.83 ERA and 101 Ks in 136.1 innings. France is 2-3 with a 7.08 ERA in his last seven starts. 

Houston Astros Team Facts

The Astros have won 11 of their last 12 games as road underdogs.
The Astros have failed to cover the run line in each of their last six road games against NL West opponents following a road win.
The Astros have led after 7 innings in nine of their last 10 games as road underdogs.
The Astros have lost the first inning in each of their last four games against NL West opponents that held a winning record.
The Astros have led after 3 innings in three of their last four games as road underdogs.

Arizona Diamondbacks 

Over on the Diamondbacks’ side, they blew out the White Sox 15-4 in the Tuesday opener of their last series, then followed that up with another victory 3-0 in game two. In Thursday’s finale, Arizona had just three hits—and gave up three hits, including two homers—in a 3-1 loss. Corbin Carroll had two hits and the lone run, while Ketel Marte added the RBI. 

As starter for the Friday opener, the Diamondbacks will go with Zac Gallen. This year in his 33 starts Gallen is 17-8 with a 3.49 ERA and 213 Ks in 203.2 innings. Gallen has gone 4-3 with a 4.75 ERA over his last seven starts. 

Arizona Diamondbacks Team Facts

The Diamondbacks have won each of their last six games at Chase Field.
The Diamondbacks have covered the run line in each of their last nine games against the Astros following a road loss.
The ‘Inning 1 UNDER 0.5 runs’ market has hit in each of the last four games between the Astros and Diamondbacks at Chase Field.
The Diamondbacks have trailed after 5 innings in three of their last four games as home favorites against AL West opponents.
The Diamondbacks have led after 3 innings in each of their last three home games.

Matchup/League Facts

The Arizona Diamondbacks rank 1st in the league for triples this season (44).
The Arizona Diamondbacks rank 2nd in the league for steals this season (161).
The Houston Astros rank 3rd in the league for hits this season (1418).
The Houston Astros rank 3rd in the league for batting average this season (.259).

ANDREW’S FREE PICK 

I’ll stick with the Astros in this one. France is just 1-1 in his last three starts, and he managed five earned in 4.1 innings on five hits and four walks versus the Royals back on September 16. That said, in two of France’s last three starts he’s got just three earned in 11.0 innings. If he can pull off a quality start here the Houston offense should do the rest. As for Arizona, on Thursday they had a pretty miserable offensive outing but the pitching was pretty solid overall outside of the two homers. I like the Diamondbacks to rally behind Gallen in a close game but I think Houston still has a good shot at a win if France pitches well.