MLB Predictions: Can the Astros hold off the Nationals? 8/22/17
Two of the league’s best teams open up a tonight when the Houston Astros host the Washington Nationals at 8:10PM ET. Here’s our MLB Predictions for tonight’s game.
THE ODDS
According to the latest oddsmakers, Houston is favored at home, as the Astros are getting odds of -175 to win, while the Nationals are getting a money line of +160 to win. The over/under total for the game has been set at 9 runs. These two teams haven’t met since the 2014 season.
PITCHING MATCHUP
The pitching matchup tonight has Tanner Roark (9-8, 4.70) pitching for Washington while Charlie Morton (10-5, 3.69) is on the mound for Houston. Morton has been steady, but not stellar in recent outings. He has given up multiple runs in seven of his last 10 starts. He has 119 strikeouts with 42 walks and a 1.24 WHIP. Roark has given up at least two runs in his last 10 starts. He has 115 strikeouts this season with 54 walks and a 1.37 WHIP.
NATIONALS
The Nationals have won five of their last seven games entering today’s series. Washington is 74-48 overall and 39-23 on the road. The Nats are averaging 5.30 runs per game while allowing 4.22 per game. Washington is being led by Bryce Harper, who has 29 home runs with 87 RBI, but he is out indefinitely with a knee injury. Daniel Murphy is adding 20 home runs with 81 RBI and 36 doubles while Ryan Zimmerman has 27 doubles, with 29 home runs and 86 RBI.
ASTROS
The Astros are coming off a loss to Oakland at home, but they have still won four of their last six games. Houston is now 76-48 on the season and 36-27 at home. The Astros are putting up 5.64 runs per game this season while allowing 4.34 per contest. Jose Altuve has 35 doubles, 29 stolen bases, 19 home runs and 67 RBI this year to lead the team while George Springer is adding 24 doubles, 28 home runs and 70 RBI.
MLB PREDICTIONS
Neither team is at full strength entering this series, but the loss of Harper is much bigger for Washington than the injury to Correa for Houston. The Astros have the more reliable pitcher on the mound and are at home tonight. That should give them the edge as both lineup are comparable.
MLB Predictions – Houston Astros -175
