The Detroit Tigers and the Houston Astros meet Tuesday in game 1 MLB playoff action from Minute Maid Park. We will look at this from a betting perspective and determine the best bets for this game. Here’s a Houston Astros vs Detroit Tigers Prediction.
Starting Pitching Matchup
The Detroit Tigers will send out Tarik Skubal for the start here and Skubal is 18-4 with a 2.39 ERA and 228 strikeouts this season. Framber Valdez will get the start for the Astros here and is 15-7 with a 2.91 ERA and 169 strikeouts this season.
Detroit Tigers Recap
The Detroit Tigers come into the postseason with the #6 seed, sneaking into the Wild Card spots with an 86-76 record at season’s end thanks to a 9-5 loss in their season finale against the Chicago White Sox, resulting in a series loss to close out the regular season. The postseason appearance marks Detroit’s first playoff appearance in a decade. The Tigers won some key series in September as they beat the Padres, Orioles (twice), and Royals.
Tigers Trying To Make Some Noise In Debut
Riley Greene has 134 hits including 24 home runs and 74 RBIs along with 27 doubles, 6 triples, a .262 batting average, and a .348 OBP in addition to a team-high 156 strikeouts this season. Matt Vierling also has 133 hits as well as 5 triples and 28 doubles with 16 home runs and 57 RBIs while Wenceel Perez has 6 triples and 9 stolen bases. Colt Keith also has 13 home runs and 61 RBIs as well this year while Zach McKinstry has 16 stolen bases.
Why the Detroit Tigers will win
- The Tigers have won each of their last six games as road underdogs against American League opponents following a home loss.
- The Astros have lost each of their last five playoff games as favorites.
- The Tigers have covered the run line in each of their last eight games as road underdogs against American League opponents following a loss.
- The Astros have failed to cover the run line in each of their last eight Tuesday games as home favorites against American League opponents.
Houston Astros Recap
The Houston Astros find themselves in familiar territory, representing the AL West as the #3 seed, finishing with an 88-73 overall record, finishing with a 4-3 win in their series finale. The title was Houston’s 4th straight AL West crown and 7th in their last 8 seasons. Last month, the Astros lost four series, including the one to the Padres.
Astros Trying To Make Sustained Run In Postseason Again
Jose Altuve has 185 hits and a .295 batting average with 20 home runs, 65 RBIs, and 31 doubles while Yordan Alvarez also has 35 homers with 86 RBIs and 34 doubles. Altuve has the Astros’ team lead with 22 stolen bases so far this season. Jeremy Pena also has 160 hits and a .268 batting average as well as 20 stolen bases of his own this season. Alex Bregman added 26 homers 75 RBIs and 30 doubles also.
Why the Houston Astros will win
- The Astros have won each of their last 10-day playoff games against AL Central opponents.
- The Tigers have lost seven of their last eight playoff games.
- The Astros have covered the run line in each of their last 10-day playoff games against AL Central opponents.
- The Tigers have failed to cover the run line in each of their last four playoff games after not playing the previous day.
Houston Astros vs Detroit Tigers Prediction
I’m on the under here. I just think this is going to be a pitcher’s duel, as Skubal was the triple-crown winner in the pitching department this season and Framber has a ton of postseason experience with a lot of success behind him as well as one of the other premier lefties in the game. Give me the under in what should be a great series opener.