Kevin Gausman (3-10, 4.04 ERA) and Joe Musgrove (1-0, 1.47 ERA) start in the first of a four-game series between the Baltimore Orioles (66-53) and the Houston Astros (61-59) at Camden Yards. Action begins at 7:05 p.m. ET on Thursday, Aug. 18 and can be seen on RTSW and MAS2.
Gausman pitched 4.0 innings in his most recent start, surrendering two runs, striking out nine and walking six in a 6-2 defeat to the Giants. Musgrove went 7.0 innings, surrendering two runs, striking out seven and walking one in a 5-3 win over the Blue Jays in his last outing. Jose Altuve (.364, 86 Rs, 19 HRs, 75 RBIs, 26 SBs) went 1 for 4 yesterday with one RBI.
Baltimore is a -129 favorite against Houston and the Over/Under (O/U) for this game is sitting at eight runs. The Orioles have recorded an overall money line of +1,266 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 5.0 runs per game. The Orioles are one of the best in the AL in terms of hits with a phenomenal 9.0 per game.
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 8.7 strikeouts per game, making them one of the top five teams in the league.
The Astros have the edge in the season series, 3-0. The Orioles have a 49-36 record against right-handed starting pitchers on the year, which is what they’ll be facing when Musgrove takes the mound. Gausman (RHP) will be on the hill against the Astros, who have a 43-38 record against right-handed starting pitchers.
Predictions: SU Winner – HOU, O/U – Over
Notes
Having scored one run in their last game, the Orioles are going to have to step it up if they want to win this matchup. The Astros have a 17-1 record in games where opponents scored one run or less.
When they are outhit, the Astros are 9-51. The Orioles have a 17-40 record when opponents outhit them.
Ranking first in home runs, Baltimore has hit 177 this season. Houston ranks 15th with 144 home runs.
Ranking 12th, Houston is in the top half of the league in hits, notching 8.45 per game. Baltimore ranks in the top five at fourth with 8.99.
Ranking 18th, Houston is in the bottom half of the league for its on-base plus slugging percentage (.736). Baltimore ranks in the top 10 at sixth with an OPS of .767.
The Astros are 38-38 in games where they allow one or more home runs. The Orioles are 38-41 when they allow at least one homer.
