Houston Astros vs
Baltimore OriolesPredictions & Preview

Astros and Orioles Set for Playoff Showdown in First Game of Weekend Series

The Astros and Orioles are set to face off in the first game of a four-game weekend series, with both teams in strong playoff contention. Baltimore is just half a game behind the Yankees for the top spot in the AL East, while Houston leads the AL West. The Astros have won three of their last five games, while the Orioles have lost four of their last six. Starting pitchers are Spencer Arrighetti for the Astros and Corbin Burnes for the Orioles. Baltimore is the favorite according to the current betting line. Game time is set for 7:08 P.M. EST.

Betting Odds

• Moneyline: Astros +136 | Orioles -151
• Spread: Astros +1.5 (-153) | Orioles -1.5 (+134)
• Total: Over/Under 8 (-110)
• Based on the moneyline, the implied probability that Baltimore will win straight-up is 60%.

Houston vs Baltimore Stats

Houston Astros

Houston Astros are currently leading the American League West with a record of 68-58, 4.5 games ahead of the Mariners. They are 5.5 games back from the league-leading Yankees. Despite losing 4-1 to the Red Sox in their last game, the Astros have won three of their last five games. Justin Verlander gave up two runs in the last game and commented positively on his performance. Spencer Arrighetti will start in the next game with a 5-11 record and a 5.20 ERA this season. The team has struggled in his recent starts, losing seven of his last eight games. Houston has the third-best batting average in the league at .261 and ranks well in various offensive categories including runs scored and hits. Their defense is strong, allowing an average of 4.04 points per game. They have a power ranking of 6 and are ranked 12 in offense.

Baltimore Orioles Analysis

The Baltimore Orioles are currently 74-54 overall this season, sitting just half a game back of the Yankees in the AL East division race. Despite not leading their division, they hold the top wild card spot in the American League, six games ahead of the competition. Recently, they have lost four of their last six games, including a close 4-3 loss to the Mets on August 21. Manager Brandon Hyde expressed disappointment in their offensive performance, emphasizing the importance of hitting in order to win games. Pitcher Corbin Burnes will start the next game, with a record of 12-5 and an ERA of 3.10 this season. Burnes has performed well in recent starts, with the Orioles winning five of his last six outings. The team has excelled offensively, scoring the second most runs and hitting the most home runs in the league. They have a .254 batting average and rank seventh in that category. Against the AL West division, Baltimore has a .259 batting average, hitting .271 in three games against Houston. Overall, Baltimore holds a power ranking of 10 and ranks third in offense, scoring an average of 5.06 runs per game. In their recent matchups, Houston went 0-3 against the Orioles.

Houston Astros and Baltimore Orioles set for high-scoring showdown as postseason race heats up

The Houston Astros and Baltimore Orioles are competing for postseason berths this season. Although the Astros currently lead their division, the Orioles are in close pursuit of the Yankees. In the upcoming Thursday game, offensive performance will be key in what is anticipated to be a high-scoring matchup. Spencer Arrighetti, with a road ERA of 6.09, will start for Houston and face a potent Orioles offense that leads the league in home runs and has a .259 batting average against American League West teams. Additionally, Houston has struggled in seven of Arrighetti's last eight starts. On the other hand, Baltimore will rely on Corbin Burnes, who boasts a 2.91 ERA at home and is expected to stifle the Astros lineup. Based on recent performances, it is likely that Baltimore will emerge victorious and cover the spread.

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