Houston Astros vs
Detroit TigersPredictions & Preview

Struggling Starting Pitchers Set Stage for High-Scoring Game: Detroit Tigers Favored to Cover Against Houston Astros

This article provides a preview of the upcoming American League matchup between the Houston Astros and Detroit Tigers on Monday, August 18. The Astros currently lead the AL West division while the Tigers are also leading the AL Central by a significant margin. Detroit has the third best home record in the league. Pitchers Jack Flaherty and Spencer Arrighetti are set to start for their respective teams. The game is scheduled to begin at 6:40 P.M. EST.

Betting Odds

• Moneyline: Astros +123 | Tigers -140
• Spread: Astros +1.5 (-170) | Tigers -1.5 (+145)
• Total: Over/Under 8.5 (-110)
• Based on the moneyline, the implied probability that Detroit will win straight-up is 58%.

Houston Astros

The Houston Astros currently hold a record of 69-55 and are leading the American League West, with a tight race for the divisional crown. They are just one game ahead of the Mariners. The Astros have a 31-28 road record this season and have won seven of their last 12 games. In their most recent game, they lost 12-0 to the Orioles. Spencer Arrighetti will make the start for the Astros against the Tigers, holding a 1-3 record with a 6.38 ERA in four starts this year. The team has a 1-3 record when he starts, losing their last three games. The Astros have a strong batting average of .256, ranking third in the league. They have hit the 17th most home runs and have struck out the eighth fewest times. When playing on the road, they have a .258 batting average. In August, they have a .244 batting average and a .260 average against American League Central teams. Against the Tigers, they have a .287 average in three games.

Detroit Tigers

The Detroit Tigers are currently leading the American League Central division with a 73-53 record. They are just one game behind the Blue Jays for the top spot in the AL. The Tigers have a strong home record of 39-24, which is the third best in the league. Despite a recent loss to the Twins, they have won seven of their last 10 games. Jack Flaherty will be starting for the Tigers, with a record of 6-12 and a 4.76 ERA in 24 starts. He has struggled in his recent starts, with Detroit losing nine of his last 11 outings. The Tigers have a .250 batting average, ranking 13th in the league, with solid performances in runs scored and hits. They have hit the eighth most home runs and the third most triples in the league. Detroit's batting average varies depending on the opponent and the month, but they have struggled against the AL West clubs.

Struggling Starting Pitchers Set Stage for High-Scoring Game: Detroit Tigers Favored to Cover Against Houston Astros

There is expected to be an abundance of runs scored in the upcoming game due to the struggling form of both starting pitchers. Houston's Spencer Arrighetti holds a 6.38 ERA this year, resulting in a 1-3 record for the Astros in his starts. On the other hand, the Tigers are set to start Jack Flaherty, who has shown a 5.25 ERA post-All-Star break. Detroit has experienced defeat in nine out of Flaherty's last 11 starts. Despite being divisional leaders, neither team is presenting their top starting options in this match-up. Thus, my recommendation is to favor the home team, Detroit. Flaherty, although not performing at his peak, maintains a 3.79 home ERA. The Tigers also boast a .260 home batting average and .254 against AL West opponents. Given these factors, the home team is poised to secure a victory in what is projected to be a high-scoring and closely contested game. I recommend taking Detroit to cover in this match.

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