The Houston Astros host Cincinnati on Friday, looking to build on their 22-29 mark against the 28-22 Reds in MLB betting action at Minute Maid Park.

The match puts starter Mike Leake for the Reds on the hill facing JA Happ for the Astros. Leake brings a 1-5 mark to the game, while Happ is 4-4 to date on the season.



View Cincinnati vs Houston Odds and Stats.

Betting Line:
On the Sportsbook MLB line for this matchup, Houston sat as -101 favorites. The total was set at 8.5.

Power Rankings:
The Astros sit at No. 4 in the National League in the current MLB power poll here at Odds Shark, while the Reds sit at a National League No. 9 on the same chart.



How They Match Up:
At the plate, Houston owns the No. 9 ranking for hits in the National League at 8.5 per game. By contrast, the Reds are rated No. 14 in the same category at 8.1 per game.

Cincinnati brings the National League's No. 4-rated defense to this matchup, facing the Astros' league No. 9-ranked defense.

Cincinnati lost its last outing, a 2-1 result against the Pirates on May 30. Bettors who backed the Pirates at +107 on the moneyline won on the day, and the total score (3) sent UNDER bettors to the payout window. Cincinnati suffered a 2-1 loss against Pittsburgh on Wednesday, as Johnny Cueto wasn't able to lead his team to victory at PNC Park.

Last time out for Houston, they were a 11-5 loser as they battled the Rockies on the road. Moneyline bettors who got the Rockies at -122 were rewarded, while the 16 combined runs moved the game OVER for totals bettors. Houston didn't get the job done in their last match, falling 11-5 to Colorado on Thursday at Coors Field.


Cincinnati Reds Trends:
When playing on Friday are 5-5
Before playing Houston are 5-5
After playing Pittsburgh are 7-3
After a loss are 8-2

Houston Astros Trends:
When playing on Friday are 7-3
Before playing Cincinnati are 5-5
After playing Colorado are 5-5
After a loss are 3-7

A few Reds at Astros trends to consider:
Cincinnati is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games when playing Houston
Cincinnati is 9-3 SU in its last 12 games
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Cincinnati's last 6 games
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Cincinnati's last 6 games on the road
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Houston's last 6 games
Houston is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games at home
The total has gone UNDER in 8 of Houston's last 11 games at home
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Houston's last 6 games when playing at home against Cincinnati


Next up:
Cincinnati at Houston, Saturday, June 2