The Houston Astros (99-53) are on the road to face the Baltimore Orioles (79-71) at Oriole Park at Camden Yards on Saturday. The Orioles lead the series 2-0 after winning 6-0 on Friday, their fourth head-to-head victory in five games this season. Dean Kremer went the distance for a complete game shutout. He scattered only four hits, striking out six and walking two en route to the win. Adley Rutschman went 3 for 3 with a home run and a double in the win. He scored two runs and had two RBIs. Yordan Alvarez was 1 for 2 with two walks for the Astros.
ON THE MOUND
Framber Valdez (16-5, 2.57 ERA) is in line to get the start for Houston. The lefty is tied for second in the AL in wins. Valdez allowed two runs over six innings in his last start, an 11-2 home win over the Athletics on Sunday. He was credited with the win, yielding four hits while striking out seven and walking one. For Baltimore, righty Mike Baumann (1-3, 4.29 ERA) will toe the rubber. It’s his first appearance of the season against the Astros. In his last appearance on Monday, Baumann came on in relief at home against the Tigers. He threw two innings and gave up one run on three hits, striking out two, in the 11-0 loss.
AT THE PLATE
Over the last five games, Houston has averaged only 2.8 runs a game, down from their season average of 4.5, while slashing worse across the board (.189/.232/.296). Against right-handed pitchers like Baumann this season, the ‘Stros have a .724 OPS. Alex Bregman is the team’s best hitter against right-handers with a .891 OPS in 334 at-bats. Baltimore is averaging only 3.6 runs per game in the last five, down slightly from 4.1 for the season. The O’s have a .663 OPS against southpaws in 2022. With a .883 OPS over 148 at-bats, Anthony Santander has been their best hitter against left-handers.
HOME AND AWAY
Houston is 49-30 on the road in 2022, scoring 4.5 runs per game while allowing 3.2 runs. Baltimore has won three in a row in front of their home fans. The O’s are 44-32 at home this season, averaging 4.3 runs per game while surrendering 4.0. Houston is 6-4 in the last 10 games between the teams at Oriole Park at Camden Yards with an average scoreline of 6.4-2.9.
STANDINGS UPDATE
The Astros lead the AL West by 16 games over the Mariners. Their magic number to clinch the division is zero. The Orioles are fourth in the AL East, 13 games behind the Yankees. They are fourth in the Wild Card race, three games out of a postseason position.
SportsTips’ MLB Pick:
Houston Astros
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*Odds correct at time of publication, courtesy of BetMGM.
