In this article, we will formulate an Athletics vs Astros prediction for this MLB game on Tuesday, June 17, at Sutter Health Park in Sacramento, California. Let’s take a look at the prediction for this MLB matchup.
Houston Astros Betting Preview
The Houston Astros (41-31, 14-18 Away) are without a loss in their last seven series, but opened the current one against the Athletics with a loss. Still, during this positive stretch, the Astros defeated the Mariners, swept the A’s, split with the Rays, beat the Pirates, Guardians, and White Sox, and most recently, swept the Minnesota Twins. In Monday’s 3-1 defeat to the A’s, Jose Altuve hit a solo homer, while Ryan Gusto pitched for 5.0 innings in a no-decision, allowing one run on three hits with eight strikeouts and one walk. Bryan Abreu took the loss.
This year, the Astros average 4.07 runs per game (22nd in the MLB) on a .253/.317/.391 triple-slash. When it comes to pitching, the Astros’ staff has a 3.43 ERA (6th) and 1.14 WHIP (2nd). Isaac Paredes leads the Astros with a .252 batting average, 15 home runs, and 42 RBI this season.
The projected starting pitcher for the Astros is Jason Alexander, who will get his first start of the season.
Athletics Betting Preview
The Athletics (30-44, 13-23 Home) were swept by the Los Angeles Angels, but responded with a sweep of the Kansas City Royals on the road. For the first time this season, the Athletics are on a four-game winning streak following a 3-1 victory against the Astros in Game 1 of the current series. Nick Kurtz led the offense with two RBI, while Mitch Spence pitched for 5.0 innings in a no-decision, allowing one run on seven hits with two strikeouts and one walk. Mason Miller was credited with the win.
This season, the Athletics’ average 4.26 runs per game (15th in the MLB) on a .253/.320/.418 triple-slash. When it comes to pitching, the Athletics’ staff has a 5.42 ERA (29th) and 1.49 WHIP (29th). Tyler Soderstrom leads the Athletics with a .254 batting average, 14 home runs, and 45 RBI this season.
JP Sears will take the mound for the Athletics on Tuesday. The 29-year-old left-hander has a 5-5 record in 14 starts this year with a 5.08 ERA and 1.25 WHIP in 72.2 innings.
Why the Athletics will cover
- The Athletics have won each of their last four games as underdogs against American League opponents.
- The Astros have lost four of their last six games as favorites against the Athletics following a loss.
- The Athletics have covered the run line in each of their last six games as underdogs.
- The Astros have failed to cover the run line in four of their last five games as favorites against American League opponents.
Total Runs Facts
- Four of the Astros’ last five games have gone UNDER the total runs line.
- Each of the Athletics’ last three games have gone UNDER the total runs line.
- The ‘Inning 1 OVER 0.5 runs’ market has hit in six of the Athletics’ last seven home games.
- The ‘Inning 1 UNDER 0.5 runs’ market has hit in four of the Astros’ last five games as favorites against AL West opponents.
Matchup/League Facts
- The Athletics rank 29th in the league for walks allowed this season (279).
- The Athletics rank 29th in the league for opponent batting average this season (.271).
- The Astros rank 1st in the league for hits allowed this season (511).
- The Astros rank 3rd in the league for runs allowed this season (256).
Athletics vs Astros Prediction
The teams have traded victories in the past couple of years, each recording five in the previous ten H2H encounters. This season, the Astros lead 2-1, and in one of those wins, Houston dismantled JP Sears, who allowed nine runs in 3.1 innings in what turned out to be a massive loss for the A’s. I am sure Sears will learn from that defeat and display an improved performance on Tuesday. Since that L, he surrendered eight runs in three starts, which, I believe, is an improvement. Jason Alexander, on the other hand, was destroyed by the Dodgers in his last game, allowing nine runs in 2.1 innings. I think he will continue to struggle in this one. Go with the A’s to cover.