The Philadelphia Phillies (87-74) will face the Houston Astros (105-56) to close out both teams’ regular-season schedules Wednesday. First pitch from Minute Maid Park is at 4:10 p.m. ET. Let’s analyze Tipico Sportsbook‘s lines around the Phillies vs. Astros odds with MLB picks and predictions.
Season series: tied 1-1
The Phillies were defeated by the Astros 10-0 Tuesday as LHP Ranger Suarez allowed 6 ER in only 3 IP. Philadelphia has the No. 3 wild-card spot in the NL despite the lopsided loss, ending a 10-year drought of not making the playoffs.
The Astros got a stellar performance from RHP Justin Verlander in his final start of the season Tuesday as he pitched 5-scoreless innings with 10 K. Houston owns the No. 1 seed in the AL, so they have a 1st-round bye in the postseason.
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Phillies at Astros projected starters
LHP Bailey Falter vs. LHP Framber Valdez
Falter (6-4, 3.90 ERA) makes his 16th start and 20th appearance. He has a 1.21 WHIP, 1.8 BB/9 and 8.0 K/9 through 83 IP.
- Has been credited with a win in 6 of his last 8 starts
- Has allowed 2 or fewer ER in 6 of his last 8 outings
Valdez (16-6, 2.89 ERA) makes his 31st start. He has a 1.17 WHIP, 3.0 BB/9 and 8.4 K/9 through 196 1/3 IP.
- Has given up 10 combined ER in his last 2 starts
- Had 25 straight starts of 6 IP or more before his last 2 contests
Phillies at Astros odds
Provided by Tipico Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list. Lines last updated at 9:43 a.m. ET.
- Moneyline (ML): Phillies +150 (bet $100 to win $150) | Astros -190 (bet $190 to win $100)
- Run line (RL)/Against the spread (ATS): Phillies +1.5 (-140) | Astros -1.5 (+112)
- Over/Under (O/U): 7.5 (O: -103 | U: -117)
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Phillies at Astros picks and predictions
Prediction
Astros 5, Phillies 3
Moneyline
I’m going to PASS on the moneyline in this game as I see the Astros closing the season out with a win, but the line is a little too steep to wager.
Even if Houston sits some of its starters, the lineup is deep enough to beat Philadelphia at home.
Run line/Against the spread
After seeing the Astros put up 10 runs Tuesday, it’s clear that they want to make sure their bats are ready for the playoffs as they’ll have a 1st-round bye.
With that in mind, give me ASTROS -1.5 (+112) at home in the final game of the regular season.
If you aren’t comfortable taking Houston by multiple runs, ASTROS -0.5 FIRST 5 INNINGS (-125) is a solid alternative.
Over/Under
OVER 7.5 (-103) is where I’m going in this game as the bats of the Astros are hot right now and Valdez has been shaky in recent starts. The Over has hit in 3 of his last 4 starts.
The Over has also hit in 5 of the last 7 meetings between the Phillies and the Astros.
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