Free MLB Picks Today: Baltimore Orioles vs Houston Astros 8/28/22

The Baltimore Orioles (-105) are in for a challenge against Justin Verlander at Minute Maid Park on Sunday when the impressive right-hander takes the mound for the Houston Astros (-115) with the visitors eyeing a sweep of the three-game series. The early total was set at 7 runs (O: -125 | U: +105). The Orioles (67-59) leads the series 2-0 after winning 3-1 on Saturday, their fifth straight head-to-head victory. Starter Dean Kremer went 7.2 innings to get the win, allowing one run on four hits, and Felix Bautista threw 1.1 scoreless innings to pick up his 10th save. Austin Hays was 2 for 4 with a solo home run in the win. Anthony Santander added a home run and two RBIs. Jose Altuve went 2 for 4 with a double and one run for the Astros (81-47).

ON THE MOUND

Austin Voth (4-1, 4.73 ERA) is in line to start for Baltimore. The righty allowed two runs over 5.2 innings in his last start, a 5-3 home win over the White Sox on Tuesday. He got the win, giving up seven hits while striking out three and walking three. Voth has made one previous appearance against the Astros this season, an 8-0 home loss on May 15. He surrendered two runs on three hits over one inning, walking one. For Houston, RHP Verlander (16-3, 1.87 ERA) gets the ball. It’s his first appearance of the season against the Orioles. In his last start on Tuesday, Verlander got the win at home against the Twins. He threw six scoreless, no-hit innings, striking out 10, in the 4-2 triumph. The RHP leads the league in ERA and is tied for first in wins.

AT THE PLATE

Over the last five games, Baltimore has averaged 3.4 runs a game, a small drop compared to their season average of 4.3. Against right-handed pitchers like Verlander this season, the O’s have a .702 OPS. Cedric Mullins is the team’s strongest performer against right-handers with a .816 OPS in 322 at-bats. Houston is averaging only 3.2 runs per game in the last five, down from 4.5 for the season, with their slugging percentage falling to .393 from .423. The ‘Stros have a .734 OPS against right-handers in 2022. With a 1.027 OPS over 252 at-bats, Yordan Alvarez has been their best hitter against right-handers.

HOME AND AWAY

Baltimore is 30-35 in away games in 2022, scoring 4.1 runs per game while allowing 4.4 runs. Houston has gone 42-20 at Minute Maid Park this season, averaging 4.5 runs per game while surrendering 3.2. Baltimore is 6-4 in the last 10 meetings at Minute Maid Park with an average scoreline of 4.7-3.5.