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The Oakland Athletics (46-99) and Houston Astros (82-64) wrap up a 3-game set Wednesday at Minute Maid Park. First pitch is scheduled for 7:10 p.m. ET. Let’s analyze BetMGM Sportsbook’s lines around the Athletics vs. Astros odds and make our expert MLB picks and predictions for the best bets.
Season series: Astros lead 9-3
The Athletics won 6-2 as +288 underdogs in the 2nd game of the series Tuesday. C Shea Langeliers and LF Tony Kemp both homered as Oakland avoided its 100th loss of the season for the 2nd straight day.
Houston’s lead over the Texas Rangers in the AL West has dwindled to just 1 game following the 2 losses to open this series. The Astros are 37-37 at home this season and have lost 12 of their last 16 games at Minute Maid Park.
Athletics at Astros projected starters
RHP Paul Blackburn vs. RHP Hunter Brown
Blackburn (4-4, 3.88 ERA) makes his 18th start and 19th appearance. He has a 1.51 WHIP, 3.4 BB/9 and 9.2 K/9 in 92 2/3 innings.
- Last start: No-decision, 3 IP, 2 ER, 6 H, 3 BB, 5 K in 6-3 win at Rangers Friday
- 2023 road stats: 2-2, 4.23 ERA (44 2/3 IP, 21 ER) in 8 starts and 1 relief appearance
- 2023 vs. Astros: No-decision, 5 1/3 IP, 1 ER, 5 H, 3 BB, 5 K in a 4-1 home victory July 22
- Career vs. Astros: 0-4, 9.51 ERA (29 1/3 IP, 31 ER) in 6 starts and 1 relief appearance
Brown (10-11, 4.78 ERA) makes his 27th start and 28th appearance. The rookie has a 1.37 WHIP, 3.1 BB/9 and 10.3 K/9 in 141 1/3 innings.
- Last start: Loss, 4 1/3 IP, 6 ER, 6 H, 2 BB, 5 K in 11-2 home loss vs. San Diego Padres Friday
- 2023 home stats: 3-7, 6.07 ERA (59 1/3 IP, 40 ER) in 12 starts
- Career vs. Athletics: 1-0, 2.37 ERA (19 IP, 5 ER) in 3 starts – Most recent: No-decision, 6 IP, 2 ER, 6 H, 2 BB, 4 K in 3-2 road victory July 23
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Athletics at Astros odds
Provided by BetMGM Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list. Lines last updated at 6:15 a.m. ET.
- Moneyline (ML): Athletics +220 (bet $100 to win $220) | Astros -275 (bet $275 to win $100)
- Run line (RL)/Against the spread (ATS): Athletics +1.5 (+105) | Astros -1.5 (-125)
- Over/Under (O/U): 9 (O: -105 | U: -115)
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Athletics at Astros picks and predictions
Prediction
Astros 4, Athletics 3
Moneyline
It’s unlikely that Houston (-275) will get swept by the Athletics. However, the Astros are slightly overvalued on the moneyline.
PASS. Bet the run line and/or the total instead.
Run line/Against the spread
Houston has lost 12 of its last 16 games at home and expecting it to win by multiple runs is a tough ask. The Astros are just 27-39 on the run line this season as home favorites, according to TeamRankings.com.
Oakland, while clearly not as talented, is still playing to ruin other teams’ seasons and to avoid its 100th loss. I believe the Astros avoid the sweep but Oakland keeps it close.
BET ATHLETICS +1.5 (+105).
Over/Under
The Under is 25-18-1 (58.1%) this season when Oakland plays divisional games.
Brown will probably bounce back after allowing 6 earned runs last time out, and Houston’s offense may continue to struggle after scoring just 2 runs in its last 2 games.
BET UNDER 9 (-115).
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