It’s closing time in Houston and with the Astros on a long winning streak in series finales, the best team in the American League will accept nothing less than victory this afternoon. Favored over the Mariners, the ’Stros will call upon Charlie Morton (7-3, 4.06 ERA) to battle with “The Big Maple” James Paxton (8-3, 3.19 ERA).
Not only have the Astros been closing out series with W’s, they’ve been burying their opponents in send-off games, outscoring them 68-21 during their series finale win streak.
The starter they’ll face tonight, though, has kept the high-flying ’Stros grounded this season, allowing just six hits and no runs through two starts against the division rivals in 2017. Paxton has been an incredibly consistent option for the Mariners since he arrived in 2013 and he comes into the matchup on a three-game win streak.
That said, Houston’s .280 average against lefties this year is the second-best in the bigs and Paxton’s two good starts vs the AL West leaders could be quickly forgotten if he’s blown up today.
Sportsbook Odds & Computer Pick
Betting fans looking to pick the Houston Astros in this matchup found them as -120 favorites on the MLB moneyline at Sportsbook. Betting the OVER/UNDER instead? It was 9 at its open earlier today and hovering near that number at Sportsbook.
OddsShark computer prediction handicapping models run on this game pick a 5.8-3.2 victory for the Astros. View the computer score prediction and who will win the pick on the moneyline for all upcoming MLB matchups here.
Seattle Mariners vs Houston Astros Matchup
Team Betting Records & Power Rankings
The Houston Astros sport a record of 63-31 heading into this matchup, while the Seattle Mariners sit at 47-48 on the season. Stay Informed: follow us on Twitter for odds specials, betting line moves and Houston vs Seattle injuries news.
The OddsShark MLB Power Rankings have the Houston Astros at No. 2 and the Seattle Mariners at No. 10 heading into this contest.
Statistical Matchup
On offense, it's a battle between the Houston Astros and its No. 1-rated batting order, averaging 5.93 runs per nine innings, against the No. 10 line up of the Seattle Mariners at 4.81 runs per outing.
Comparing defensive stats, Seattle owns the No. 26-rated road mark, allowing 5.3 runs per game on the highway. Houston, on the other hand, rates No. 12 in scoring at home.
Recent Outings Betting Recap
Seattle suffered a 6-2 loss against Houston on Tuesday, as Sam Gaviglio wasn't able to lead his team to victory at Minute Maid Park.
Next Betting Matchups
Seattle home to New York, Thursday, July 20
Houston at Baltimore, Friday, July 21