In this article we will formulate a Twins vs Astros prediction for this MLB game on Monday, May 18th at Target Field in Minneapolis, Minnesota. Let’s take a look at the prediction for this MLB matchup.
Minnesota Twins Betting Preview
The Minnesota Twins are 21-26 this year after they lost two out of three against the Brewers by scores of 2-3, 1-2, and 5-4. In game three, Minnesota nearly blew a 5-3 lead in the ninth inning, but they were able to hang on for the win. The Twins recorded six hits in the game and they were led by Clemens, who went 2-4 with two RBIs. Ober allowed six hits and three earned runs over 5.0 innings for the win, while Garcia picked up the save. Prior to that series, Minnesota won two out of three against the Marlins and two out of three against the Guardians.
This season, Minnesota has a 4.35 ERA with a 1.35 WHIP and a .246 opponent batting average, while they have scored 219 runs with a .235 batting average and a .323 on base percentage. Byron Buxton has led the Twins with 15 home runs and 23 RBIs, while Ryan Jeffers has added seven home runs and 26 RBIs. The projected starting pitcher for Minnesota is Simeon Woods Richardson, who is 0-6 with a 7.71 ERA and a 1.86 WHIP over 42.0 innings pitched this year.
Houston Astros Betting Preview
The Houston Astros are 19-29 this season after they won two out of three against the Rangers by scores of 2-0, 4-1, and 0-8. In game three, Houston fell behind in the fifth inning and never got the offense going in the shutout loss. The Astros recorded five hits in the game and they were led by Dezenzo, who went 2-4. Lambert allowed three hits and five earned runs over 6.0 innings for the loss, while Bolton pitched the last three innings. Prior to that series, Houston lost three out of four against the Mariners and two out of three against the Reds.
This season, Houston has a 5.43 ERA with a 1.55 WHIP and a .256 opponent batting average, while they have scored 212 runs with a .250 batting average and a .326 on base percentage. Yordan Alvarez has led the Astros with 15 home runs and 31 RBIs, while Christian Walker has added 11 home runs and 30 RBIs. The projected starting pitcher for Houston is Tatsuya Imai, who is 1-1 with a 9.24 ERA and a 2.05 WHIP over 12.2 innings pitched this season.
Why the Minnesota Twins will win
- The Astros have lost six of their last seven night games against AL Central opponents.
- The home team has won four of the last five games between the Astros and Twins.
- The Astros have failed to cover the run line in eight of their last nine night games against AL Central opponents that held a losing record.
- The Twins have covered the run line in each of their last five Monday night games.
- The Twins have led after 3 innings in four of their last five games as favorites.
- The Twins have led after 5 innings in eight of their last nine night games at Target Field against American League opponents.
- The Astros have lost the first inning in three of their last four road games against AL Central opponents that held a losing record.
Why the Houston Astros will win
- The Twins have lost 13 of their last 14 games as favorites after playing the previous day.
- The Astros have won five of their last six games as underdogs following a home loss.
- The Astros have covered the run line in each of their last seven games against the Twins following a loss.
- The Twins have failed to cover the run line in 13 of their last 14 games as favorites after playing the previous day.
- The Twins have trailed after 5 innings in four of their last five games as favorites against American League opponents.
- The Twins have trailed after 3 innings in five of their last six games as favorites against American League opponents.
Total Runs Facts
- Six of the Astros’ last seven night games against American League opponents have gone UNDER the total runs line.
- Five of the Twins’ last six games as favorites against American League opponents have gone OVER the total runs line.
- The ‘Inning 1 UNDER 0.5 runs’ market has hit in each of the Twins’ last 10 home games against AL West opponents.
- The ‘Inning 1 OVER 0.5 runs’ market has hit in each of Lance McCullers Jr.’s last six appearances as a starter.
Minnesota Twins Player Prop Facts
- Byron Buxton has hit at least one home run in each of the Twins’ last six night games against AL opponents that held a losing record.
- Trevor Larnach has recorded at least one hit in 17 of his last 18 home appearances against AL West opponents that held a losing record.
- Byron Buxton ranks T4th in the league in Home Runs (15) this season.
Houston Astros Player Prop Facts
- Christian Walker has hit a home run in two of his last three road appearances against the Twins after playing the previous day.
- Jose Altuve has recorded a hit in each of his last seven road appearances.
- Yordan Alvarez ranks 2nd amongst qualified players for On Base Percentage (.423) this season.
Matchup/League Facts
- The Twins rank 26th in the league for strikeouts this season (354).
- The Twins rank 7th in the league for runs scored this season (219).
- The Astros rank 30th in the league for ERA this season (5.43).
- The Astros rank 30th in the league for walks allowed this season (242).
Twins vs Astros Prediction
Minnesota comes into this matchup after avoiding the sweep on Sunday afternoon and they continue to be one of the higher scoring teams in the MLB. The Twins are 13-13 at home this year, while the Astros are 7-15 on the road. Houston took two out of three against the Rangers, but they have allowed eight runs in two of their last four games. The Astros are starting Imai, who allowed six earned runs over 4.0 innings in his last start, while Woods Richardson has been one of the worst starters in baseball. Take the over here.