David Smith/Cal Sport Media/Sipa USA
Houston Astros vs Philadelphia Phillies: Both teams top their divisions
The Houston Astros and the Philadelphia Phillies are starting their series today at Citizens Bank Park.
The Astros split the last ten games
The Houston Astros are on top of the AL West with a 70-60 record, including 35-31 on the road. They are coming off a 6-3 win over the Baltimore Orioles that saw them splitting the series. The Astros have a 3.81 ERA, a .226 batting average, a .308 on-base percentage, and 1.25 walks plus hits per inning pitched. Jose Altuve leads the team with 154 hits and 74 runs for the season, and Yordan Alvarez is on top with 25 home runs.
The Phillies are targeting the top of the NL
The Philadelphia Phillies are on top of the NL East with the best record in the MLB, 76-54, including 42-23 at home. They have won the last two games coring 11 runs in each of those against the Kansas City Royals. The Phillies have a 3.71 ERA, a .236 batting average, a .300 on-base percentage, and 1.21 walks plus hits per inning pitched. Alec Bohm leads the team with 145 hits, Kyle Schwarber is on top with 87 runs, and 28 home runs.
Betting Trends
The Phillies have been favorites in 102 games this season and won 62 of those contests. This season Philadelphia has won 46 of its 68 games when favored by at least -152 on the moneyline. Philadelphia and its opponents have hit the over in 61 of 130 games with a total. The Phillies are 62-67 against the spread in their 129 chances this season. The Astros have been victorious in 17 of the 35 contests they have been chosen as underdogs in this season. Houston has come away with a win three times in five chances when named as an underdog of at least +128 or longer on the moneyline. Houston’s games have gone over the total in 51 of its 129 opportunities. The Astros have an against the spread mark of 62-66 in 128 games with a line this season.
Prediction and Conclusion
Both teams have promising seasons and sit at the top of their respective divisions. The Phillies are in better form and have the second-best home record in the entire league this season. Philadelphia will start Zach Wheeler tonight, who is 12-6 for the season with a 2.73 ERA, 170 K, 154.2 IP, and 0.98 WHIP. The Astros will also give one of their best performances on the mound tonight. Ronel Blanco is 9-6 for the season, with a 3.14 ERA, 136 K, 137.2 IP, and 1.06 WHIP. Eight of the last nine games between these two teams have ended under the total run line, so with confident pitchers in action tonight, we go with under 7.5 total runs.
