In a game that could be a shootout, Collin McHugh (7-10, 4.70 ERA) and the Houston Astros (61-60) are in Baltimore to square off against Wade Miley (7-10, 5.23 ERA) and the Orioles (67-53). This is the second of a four-game series at Camden Yards. The Astros lost the last game 13-5, continuing a five-game losing streak. Action begins at 7:05 p.m. ET on Friday, Aug. 19 and can be seen on RTSW and MAS2.
Miley pitched 4.1 innings in his last outing, surrendering seven runs (one unearned), striking out one and walking two in an 8-7 win over the Giants. Manny Machado (.304, 83 Rs, 27 HRs, 72 RBIs) continued his strong play yesterday, going 2 for 5 with two runs, one home run, and three RBIs. McHugh went 5.1 innings, surrendering three runs, striking out six and walking two in a 4-2 defeat to the Blue Jays in his most recent start. Jose Altuve (.363, 87 Rs, 19 HRs, 75 RBIs, 26 SBs) went 1 for 4 yesterday with one run.
Baltimore is a narrow -115 favorite at home against Houston. The matchup has an estimated Over/Under (O/U) of nine runs. The Orioles have recorded an overall money line of +1,166 and have shown high-level performance as a favorite this season with a record of 44-21. The Orioles have no trouble scoring as they rank fifth in the AL in home offense with 4.9 runs per game. The Orioles lead the MLB in home runs with 183.
In games where it is the underdog, Houston has a 17-16 record and an overall money line of -1,248. They played poorly as the underdog over their last 10 games with a 1-3 record and a 4-6 record SU. Houston is excellent at drawing walks with 3.6 per game, ranking second in the AL. The Astros allow 4.1 runs per game, but have damaged those numbers in the past 10 games, allowing 5.4 runs per game during that span. The Astros have established a reputation of overwhelming hitters with an AL-best 8.8 strikeouts per game, making them one of the top five teams in the league.
The Astros lead the season series, 3-1. The Orioles have a 49-36 record against right-handed starting pitchers on the year, which is what they’ll be facing when McHugh takes the mound. Miley (LHP) will be on the hill against the Astros, who have an 18-21 record against left-handed starting pitchers.
Predictions: SU Winner – HOU, O/U – Over
Notes
The Orioles are coming into this matchup after a high-scoring game where they scored a whopping 13 runs. The Astros have a 0-3 record when opponents score that many runs or more.
When they are outhit, the Astros are 9-52. The Orioles have a 17-40 record when opponents outhit them.
Ranking first in home runs, Baltimore has hit 183 this season. Houston ranks 14th with 146 home runs.
Ranking 13th, Houston is in the top half of the league in hits, notching 8.43 per game. Baltimore ranks in the top 10 at seventh with 8.95.
Ranking 19th, Houston is in the bottom half of the league for its on-base plus slugging percentage (.735). Baltimore ranks in the top 10 at sixth with an OPS of .774.
The Astros are 38-39 when they allow at least one home run. The Orioles perform similarly when they allow one or more homers with a 39-41 record.
