Houston Astros vs
Tampa Bay RaysPredictions & Preview

Astros Set to Face Rays in Highly Anticipated Matchup: Gordon vs Pepiot

The Houston Astros (24-22) are set to take on the Tampa Bay Rays (21-25) in the first game of a three-game series. The Astros are coming off a comeback win against the Rangers, while the Rays are looking to bounce back after losing two out of three games to Miami. Colton Gordon (ERA: 6.23) will be the starting pitcher for the Astros, while Ryan Pepiot (ERA: 3.93) will take the mound for the Rays. Tampa Bay is favored to win, opening at -135 and currently sitting at -133. This matchup promises to be a competitive game between two talented teams.

Betting Odds

• Moneyline: Astros +119 | Rays -133
• Spread: Astros +1.5 (-171) | Rays -1.5 (+150)
• Total: Over/Under 9 (-110)
• Based on the moneyline, the implied probability that Tampa Bay will win straight-up is 57%.

Houston vs Tampa Bay Stats

Houston Astros

The Houston Astros are currently 24-22 after a thrilling 4-3 victory over the Rangers, with Isaac Paredes hitting a decisive three-run homer in the eighth inning. Despite their middling offensive statistics, ranking 21st in runs per game, 15th in batting average, and 20th in OPS, they have excelled defensively. Their pitching staff boasts a 3.39 ERA, a league-best 1.12 WHIP, and ranks 8th in strikeouts per game. Rookie left-hander Colton Gordon will be making his second MLB start after a solid debut against Kansas City, where he allowed three runs over 4.1 innings in a win. The Astros are ranked 20th in offense, 7th in defense, and have a power ranking of 7.

Tampa Bay Rays Analysis

The Tampa Bay Rays are currently struggling with inconsistency on offense, averaging just 3.89 runs per game and ranking 23rd in MLB. Their lack of power (39 HR, 25th) is offset by their threat on the basepaths, with 57 stolen bases (3rd). However, they have struggled to string together hits and score runs, as evidenced by only three hits in their recent loss to the Marlins. On the mound, the Rays have a solid pitching staff with a 3.91 ERA (15th) and 8.54 K/G (19th). Despite their capable defense (10th in errors), the team sits at 21-25 overall. Starting pitcher Ryan Pepiot (2-5, 3.93 ERA) has shown promising numbers but has lacked run support. Overall, the Rays have a power ranking of 21 and face challenges in both offense and consistency. In recent matchups, the Houston Astros went 0-3 against Tampa Bay.

Astros poised to pull off upset against Rays in upcoming game

In my professional opinion, there is a discrepancy in the odds for this particular game. Colton Gordon has shown exceptional performance in AAA this season, and the Astros' bullpen, which will support him, holds the second-best ERA in MLB at 2.71. Given the compact dimensions of George Steinbrenner Field in Tampa, Gordon is likely to feel at ease and deliver a commendable performance. Conversely, Tampa Bay's track record has been less than impressive, with a 1-5 record in Ryan Pepiot's recent six starts. Therefore, based on these factors, I am advocating for Houston as the underdog in this matchup.

Sources: [ 1 ] [ 2 ]