The Houston Astros (91-63) and Oakland Athletics (83-71) play the second game of a three-game set at Oakland Coliseum Saturday. First pitch is scheduled for 4:07 p.m. ET. Let’s analyze the lines around the Astros vs. Athletics odds with MLB picks and predictions.
Astros LHP Framber Valdez (11-5, 3.07 ERA) makes his 21st start of the season. He has a 1.27 WHIP, 8.4 K/9 and 3.9 BB/9 across 123 IP.
- Twirled 7 scoreless innings with 6 hits, 3 walks and 6 strikeouts in a win on the road against the Los Angeles Angels Monday.
- Allowed 6 runs (5 earned) on 10 hits in 5 IP in a no-decision in his only appearance vs. Oakland July 6.
Athletics LHP Sean Manaea (10-10, 4.05 ERA) makes his 31st start of the season. He has a 1.25 WHIP, 9.7 K/9 and 2.1 BB/9 across 166 2/3 IP.
- Allowed 4 runs on 8 hits and a walk with 3 strikeouts across 5 IP in a loss against the Seattle Mariners Monday.
- Is 0-2 with a 4.63 ERA across 23 1/3 IP over four starts against the Astros this season.
Astros at Athletics odds, lines, picks and prediction
MLB odds provided by Tipico Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports for a full list. Odds last updated at 9:37 a.m. ET.
- Money line: Astros -120 (bet $120 to win $100) | Athletics +100 (bet $100 to win $100)
- Against the spread/ATS: Astros -1.5 (+135) | Athletics +1.5 (-170)
- Over/Under: 7.5 (O: -125 | U: +100)
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Prediction
Astros 4, Athletics 2
Money line (ML)
The ASTROS (-120) are looking to avenge a loss to the Athletics in the opener, as the A’s blasted them 14-2.
Valdez has been sharp lately, and Manaea really seems to have a mental block against the ‘Stros. He is winless in four starts against them this season, and that isn’t going to change Saturday.
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Run line/Against the spread (ATS)
ASTROS -1.5 (+135) is worth a small-unit play. Each of the last three victories by Houston was by 4 or more runs, and eight of the last 10 wins were by 2 or more to cover the run line. If you like Houston to win outright, you should like it to win by 2 or more runs, too.
Over/Under (O/U)
The UNDER 7.5 (+100) is the play after the Over hit in the opener. We have two solid southpaws on the bump, and the two pitchers will produce plenty of donuts.
You’ll be bucking some hard trends here, as the Over is 8-for-8 in the previous eight meetings in Oaktown, and 12-4 in the last 16 meetings.
If it makes you feel better, the Under is 5-2-1 in the last eight on the road for Houston vs. LHP, and the Under is 17-5 in the past 22 for the A’s at home vs. LHP.
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