Upcoming American League Showdown: Houston Astros Set to Take on Baltimore Orioles in Saturday Clash

The upcoming American League clash on Saturday, August 23 features the Houston Astros facing off against the Baltimore Orioles. The Astros, currently in first place in the division, have been dealing with recent defeats, while the Orioles have been having a successful week despite being out of the playoff race. The Astros will start Spencer Arrighetti, while the Orioles will start Dean Kremer. The game is set to begin at 7:05 P.M. EST. Stay tuned for our prediction on this matchup and other top games happening over the weekend.

Betting Odds

Moneyline: Astros +112 | Orioles -126
Spread: Astros +1.5 (-180) | Orioles -1.5 (+157)
Total: Over/Under 9 (-110)
Based on the moneyline, the implied probability that Baltimore will win straight-up is 56%.

Houston Astros

The Houston Astros currently lead the American League West division by a few games over Seattle. Despite holding a winning record on the road this season, the team has struggled in the month of August, losing six of their last nine games. However, they did manage to secure a 7-2 victory against the Baltimore Orioles on Thursday. Spencer Arrighetti will be starting for the Astros on Saturday, boasting a 1-4 record with a 6.94 ERA in five starts. In his last outing against the Tigers, he allowed five runs in a 10-0 loss. The Astros have only won one of the five games he has started this year. Additionally, Arrighetti has a high 10.95 ERA in road games. Overall, the team has a .253 batting average this season, ranking sixth in the league. They have scored the 10th fewest runs but rank seventh in hits. Houston has hit the 16th most home runs and has struck out the eighth fewest times. While they have a .254 batting average on the road, their batting average has dropped to .238 in the second half of the season and even lower at .231 in August. In their previous matchups against the Orioles this season, the Astros have only managed a .193 batting average.

Baltimore Orioles

Baltimore Orioles are currently in last place in the American League East division, sitting at least 14 games back from the divisional lead. Their chances of making it to the playoffs seem unlikely, given their struggles at home with a below .500 record. Despite winning six of their last eight games, they face a tough matchup on Saturday as Dean Kremer takes the mound. Kremer, with a 9-9 record and 3.97 ERA in 24 starts and one relief appearance, had a strong performance in his last outing against the Astros. The Orioles have a 5-5 record when Kremer starts at home, where he holds a 2.67 ERA. Overall, the team is hitting .240 this season, ranking eighth-worst in the league, with a .255 average at home and a .244 average in the second half of the season. Against Houston, they hold a .276 batting average.

Houston Astros Face Uphill Battle Against Baltimore Orioles as Starting Pitchers Struggle

The Houston Astros currently hold the top position in the AL West standings, despite recent struggles in form over the past two weeks. Spencer Arrighetti, set to start for the Astros, has faced difficulties this season with a track record of poor performance, contributing to the team's four consecutive losses in his previous appearances. With a 10.95 ERA on the road in 12.1 innings pitched, Arrighetti may encounter challenges against the Baltimore Orioles, who have shown a strong batting record of .276 against Houston this season and .255 at home. In contrast, Orioles' pitcher Dean Kremer has displayed consistency at home, boasting a 2.67 ERA and recent success against the Astros with a seven-inning scoreless outing. Given Kremer's capabilities, it is reasonable to anticipate a similar outcome, resulting in a potential Orioles' victory. Therefore, it seems advisable to support Baltimore for this match.

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