MLB Predictions: Will the Astros run past the Twins? 7/14/17
Will the Minnesota Twins be able to go on the road and compete with the Houston Astros when the two teams meet tonight at 8:10PM ET? Here’s our MLB Predictions for this AL clash.
THE ODDS
According to the latest oddsmakers, the Astros are the clear favorite today, as they are getting odds of -165 to win, while the Twins are listed with odds of +155 to win. The over/under total for the game has been set at 9 runs. Houston has won all three meetings between these two this season.
PITCHING MATCHUP
The pitching matchup for tonight’s game has Jose Berrios (8-2, 3.53 ERA) on the mound to face Charlie Morton (6-3, 3.82) of the Astros. Berrios has been one of Minnesota’s top arms, allowing 28 earned runs over 71.1 innings. He has 69 strikeouts and 19 walks this season with a 1.08 WHIP. Morton has logged 63.2 innings this season, allowing 27 earned runs with 68 strikeouts and 25 walks. Morton’s WHIP this season is 1.34.
TWINS
Minnesota comes into the second half of the season having split a four-game series with the Orioles at home. The Twins are 45-43 overall this season while going 25-15 on the road. Minnesota is putting up 4.58 runs per game while allowing 5.26. The Twins are being led this season by Miguel Sano, who has 21 home runs with 62 RBI. Brian Dozier is adding 13 homers and 41 RBI.
ASTROS
Houston enters the second half of the season having won six of its last eight games to maintain the top record in the AL. The Astros are now 60-29 overall and 27-18 at home. Houston is scoring 5.92 runs per game this season while allowing 4.10. The Astros are being led by Jose Altuve, who has 25 doubles, 13 homers, 50 RBI, 18 stolen bases and a .347 average. George Springer has 27 home runs and 61 RBI as well.
MLB PREDICTIONS
The Twins send one of their best to the mound, but it’s hard to see him stopping this potent Houston offense. It’s also hard to see the Twins lighting up Morton, who has been competitive in most of his starts. The Astros have too many weapons for Minnesota to hang with and I expect Houston to jump out early and roll to a win to open the second half of the season.
MLB Predictions: Houston Astros -165