In this article, we will formulate an Astros vs Guardians prediction for this MLB game on Wednesday, July 9, at Daikin Park in Houston, Texas. Let’s take a look at the prediction for this MLB matchup.
Cleveland Guardians Betting Preview
The Cleveland Guardians (42-48, 22-25 Away) experienced their worst stretch of the season, during which they lost ten straight games and failed to score in five of them. The Guardians were swept by the Cardinals, Cubs, and Tigers, but will win this series against the Astros after beating them in the opening two games. In Tuesday’s 10-6 extra innings victory, Angel Martinez hit a grand slam off Josh Hader in the 10th inning to give his team a W, while Joey Cantillo pitched for 4.0 innings in a no-decision, allowing three runs on five hits with seven strikeouts and three walks. Jakob Junis was credited with the win.
This year, the Guardians average 3.58 runs per game (26th in the MLB) on a .224/.295/.363 triple-slash. When it comes to pitching, the Guardians’ staff has a 3.97 ERA (18th) and 1.35 WHIP (24th). Jose Ramirez leads the Guardians with a .299 batting average, 16 home runs, and 44 RBI this season.
The projected starting pitcher for the Guardians is Slade Cecconi, who is 3-4 in nine starts this season, with a 3.56 ERA and 1.31 WHIP in 48.0 innings.
Houston Astros Betting Preview
The Houston Astros (55-37, 32-16 Home) came back home from two road series and two wins over the Colorado Rockies and Los Angeles Dodgers. After a three-game sweep of the Dodgers, the Astros lost back-to-back games to the Guardians. In last night’s 10-6 defeat, Jose Altuve led the offense with four RBI, while Hunter Brown pitched for 6.0 innings in a no-decision, allowing six runs on six hits with three strikeouts and three walks, while Josh Hader took the loss.
This season, the Astros average 4.41 runs per game (15th in the MLB) on a .260/.325/.413 triple-slash. When it comes to pitching, the Astros’ staff has a 3.52 ERA (5th) and 1.16 WHIP (1st). Jose Altuve leads the Astros with a .272 batting average, 16 home runs, and 50 RBI this season.
Brandon Walter will take the mound for the Astros on Wednesday. The 28-year-old left-hander has a 1-1 record in six starts this year with a 4.15 ERA and 1.13 WHIP in 34.2 innings.
Total Runs Facts
- Each of the Astros’ last four games against American League opponents have gone OVER the total runs line.
- Five of the Guardians’ last six games after going to extra innings have gone UNDER the total runs line.
- The ‘Inning 1 OVER 0.5 runs’ market has hit in five of the Astros’ last six night games.
- The ‘Inning 1 UNDER 0.5 runs’ market has hit in five of the Guardians’ last six games as road underdogs.
Matchup/League Facts
- The Astros rank 1st in the league for opponent batting average this season (.224).
- The Astros rank 2nd in the league for hits allowed this season (680).
- The Guardians rank 29th in the league for on-base percentage this season (.296).
- The Guardians rank 28th in the league for slugging percentage this season (.365).
Astros vs Guardians Prediction
The Astros won six of the previous ten H2H encounters, but the Guardians were better in the last three and lead this season series 3-2. Although the first two games of this series went Over, I am going with Under in this one. Slade Cecconi is the biggest reason for that. Cecconi was excellent in June, posting a 2.70 ERA, while he allowed more than three runs just once this season. Brandon Walter doesn’t have such good numbers, but he’s doing fine and will b eager to respond to a bad display against the Rockies, when he allowed five runs in 5.0 innings. Houston has one of the best defenses in the league. Go with Under.