Beginning a highly anticipated interleague series in H-Town this evening, the 76-48 Astros and 74-48 Nationals are set to do battle for the first time in over three seasons. Past results wouldn’t normally mean much considering how bad the ’Stros have been historically but Houston’s streak of losses against the NL East leaders is hard to ignore.
Whether that losing streak weighs on the Astros is yet to be seen but they’re heavy favorites for Game 1 on Tuesday in a contest they’ll call upon Charlie Morton (10-5, 3.69 ERA). The veteran righty has been as solid as you can ask for, posting some of the best numbers of his career while dominating left-handed batters.
His counterpart tonight, Tanner Roark (9-8, 4.70 ERA), has been by no means a shutdown option for the Nats this year but he’s been good enough to get some results and he’s achieved three straight quality starts.
Considering the trends and the value at which the visiting team is being offered, you’d be foolish to not take a look at the Nationals. They have the best road record in the National League (39-23) and this is something of a statement series. Expect a tight set and take the value when it presents itself.
Sportsbook Odds & Computer Pick
The Houston Astros were listed as -153 moneyline favorites earlier in the day at Sportsbook, while oddsmakers set the Sportsbook total line around 9 earlier at Sportsbook.
OddsShark computer score prediction models pick a possible 4.2-3.6 win for the Astros on Tuesday. View the computer score prediction and who will win the pick on the moneyline for all upcoming MLB matchups here.
Washington Nationals vs Houston Astros Matchup
Team Betting Records & Power Rankings
The Houston Astros sport a record of 76-48 heading into this matchup, while the Washington Nationals sit at 74-48 on the season. Stay Informed: follow us on Twitter for odds specials, betting line moves and Houston vs Washington injuries news.
The OddsShark MLB Power Rankings have the Houston Astros at No. 18 and the Washington Nationals at No. 9 heading into this contest.
Statistical Matchup
At the plate, Houston owns the No. 1 ranking for hits at 10.01 per game. By contrast, the Washington Nationals are rated No. 3 in the same category at 9.35 per game.
Pitching and defensive stats are important baseball handicapping betting factors and Houston has the No. 8-ranked defense. In the other dugout, the Nationals own the No. 6 mark in runs allowed.
Recent Outings Betting Recap
Washington rolled to a 4-1 win against San Diego on Sunday, as Gio Gonzalez and the Nationals' bats led the team to victory at Petco Park.
The Astros were saddled with a loss last time out in Brad Peacock's start, as they lost 3-2 against Oakland on Sunday at Minute Maid Park.
Next Betting Matchups
Washington at Houston, Wednesday, August 23