Free MLB Pick: Astros vs. Athletics Odds
Looking for Houston Astros vs. Oakland Athletics free MLB predictions? MLB betting sees the Astros taking on the Athletics on Thursday, April 1st, 2021 at Oakland Coliseum in Oakland, California. Cappers Picks provides complimentary expert handicapping picks on all MLB baseball matchups all season long so stay tuned for more FREE daily MLB predictions like this Astros Athletics free pick.
2021 MLB Handicapping
(2-0) Houston Astros vs. Oakland Athletics (0-0)
Date: Saturday April 3, 2020
Time: 4:07 PM ET
Venue: Athletics Park in Oakland, California
Projected Pitchers: Lance McCullers Jr. vs Cole Irvin
MLB Moneyline Odds: Astros -142 | Athletics +122
MLB RunLine Betting Odds: Astros +1.5 (-210), Athletics -1.5 (+175)
MLB Baseball Gambling Total: 9
It’s game three of a four game series out west Saturday as the Oakland Athletics play host to the Houston Astros. So far the Astros have taken the first two games of the series.
Houston Astros
After a 2020 season that saw the Astros get off to a slow start offensively, Houston’s bats have been on fire through two games in 2021. The Astros have scored 17 runs through the first two games of the series. The Astros are lucky that Michael Brantley’s signing with Toronto did not go through, as he leads the team with six hits through two games. Jose Altuve and Alex Bregman have combined for eight hits as well.
The top third of Houston’s lineup is 14-24 in the series thus far. The Astros have won seven of their last nine games when scoring four or more runs and are thankful to see Altuve getting back in his rhythm to start the year.
Lance McCullers Jr. gets the ball, and he was 3-3 with a 3.93 ERA and 56 strikeouts last season. McCullers is 5-2 with a 4.04 ERA and 49 strikeouts in his career against the Athletics. McCullers was signed to a 5-year, $85 million extension in the off-season.
Oakland Athletics
It’s been a disappointing start for the Athletics in 2021, particularly with starting pitching. Cole Irvin looks to erase his struggles from last year as he toes the slab for the A’s Saturday. He posted a 5.83 ERA in 41.2 innings in his 2019 rookie season and surrendered seven runs in 3.2 innings last season.
Despite not having much star power on a year-to-year basis, the Athletics almost always seem to find a way to win ball games. Their lineup is filled with talent and features Matt Chapman, Mark Canha, Roman Laureano and Matt Olson. The A’s were 17th last year in runs scored and fifth in ERA pitching wise. They’ll need their starting pitchers to step up over the next two games to avoid a sweep against their division rivals.
MLB Baseball Betting Trends:
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Astros are 4-0 in their last 4 when their opponent scores 5 runs or more in their previous game.
Astros are 6-0 in their last 6 games vs. a starter with a WHIP less than 1.15.
Astros are 5-1 in their last 6 overall.
Astros are 5-1 in their last 6 games on grass.
Astros are 5-1 in their last 6 vs. American League West.
Astros are 4-1 in their last 5 after allowing 5 runs or more in their previous game.
Free Houston Astros vs. Oakland Athletics MLB Prediction:
Houston will tag starting pitcher Cole Irvin in this one and pick up their third victory in a row to begin 2021. Irvin had a great Spring Training, but regular season action is a whole other animal and I’m not buying into the limited success. Houston has the definite advantage pitching wise with McCullers on the bump.
4* Free MLB Betting Pick: Astros ML, Over 9
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