The Houston Astros play the second game of a four-game series on the road Friday against the Baltimore Orioles. Houston improved to 99-51 following its 5-2 victory over the Tampa Bay Rays on Wednesday. Houston swept Tampa Bay in a three-game series and the Astros have won four straight and 10 of the last 11. Houston has clinched the American League West title. See who else is coming close to or clinched their ticket to the playoffs with our free MLB previews.
Designated hitter Yordan Alvarez is batting .302 to lead Houston and has team highs in home runs with 37 and on-base percentage at .405. Right fielder Kyle Tucker is the leader in RBIs with 102 and second baseman Jose Altuve is the leader in hits with 146. On Friday, the Houston Astros will send Jose Urquidy to the mound. The right-hander is 13-7 with a 3.96 ERA, 127 Ks and 35 BBs.
Baltimore improved to 77-71 following its 8-1 victory over the Detroit Tigers on Wednesday. Jordan Lyles pitched a complete game for only the second time in his MLB career, while Kyle Stowers hit a home run and had three RBIs. Baltimore is fourth in the American League East and fourth in the AL wildcard chase, four games behind the third and final spot currently held by Seattle.
Center fielder Cedric Mullins is batting .260 to lead Baltimore and has a team-high 145 hits. Right fielder Anthony Santander is the leader in home runs with 27 and on-base percentage at .326, while first baseman Ryan Mountcastle is the leader in RBIs with 80. On Friday, the Baltimore Orioles will send Dean Kremer to the mound. The right-hander is 7-5 with a 3.33 ERA, 75 Ks and 27 BBs.
Recent Betting Trends
- Houston is 13-3 in its last 16 on the road
- The UNDER has cashed in 3 of the Astros last 4 on the road
- Baltimore is 16-5 in its last 21 versus an opponent from the AL West
- The OVER has cashed in 4 of the Orioles last 6
Free MLB Pick:
Baltimore Orioles +130