The Seattle Mariners (-185) are on the road to face the Houston Astros (+155) at Minute Maid Park on Thursday in Game 2 of their American League Divisional Playoffs series with the home team looking to extend their lead. The early total was set at 7 runs with the under a -120 favorite. The Astros (107-56) took Tuesday’s series opener 8-7, their 13th head-to-head victory in 20 games this season. Reliever Rafael Montero threw one scoreless inning to get the win. Yordan Alvarez went 3 for 5 with a home run and a double in the win. He scored two runs and drove in five. Yuli Gurriel went 3 for 4 with a solo home run. Julio Rodriguez was 2 for 4 with a triple and a double for the Mariners (92-73). He scored three runs and had two RBIs. Eugenio Suarez added a solo home run.
ON THE MOUND
Luis Castillo (9-6, 2.99 ERA) is set to take the mound for Seattle. The RHP threw 7.1 scoreless innings in his last start, a 4-0 home win over the Blue Jays on Friday. He was credited with the win, giving up six hits while striking out five. Lefty Framber Valdez (17-6, 2.82 ERA) takes the mound for Houston. He has made two appearances against the Mariners this season, both starts, giving up six runs over 13.2 innings (1-0, 3.95) with 15 strikeouts and two walks. In his last start on October 5, Valdez got the win at home against the Phillies. He threw five scoreless innings and gave up two hits, striking out 10 and walking one in the 3-2 victory. The left-hander is tied for second in the AL in wins.
AT THE PLATE
Over the last five games, Seattle has averaged 7.0 runs a game, up from their season average of 4.3, while slashing better across the board (.300/.354/.511). Against lefties like Valdez this season, the M’s have a .711 OPS. Suarez is the team’s strongest hitter against left-handers with a .911 OPS in 130 at-bats. Houston is averaging 4.8 runs per game in the last five, up slightly from 4.6 for the season. The ‘Stros have a .726 OPS against right-handers in 2022. With a .881 OPS over 361 at-bats, Alex Bregman has been their best hitter against right-handers.
HOME AND AWAY
Seattle is 46-38 away from T-Mobile Park in 2022, scoring 4.7 runs per game while allowing 4.1 runs. Houston has won three in a row at their home ballpark. The ‘Stros are 56-26 at home this season, averaging 4.6 runs per game while surrendering 3.2. In the last 10 games at Minute Maid Park between the AL West rivals, Houston is 7-3 with an average scoreline of 5.2-3.3.
STANDINGS UPDATE
The Astros won the AL West. The Mariners finished second in the AL West.
SportsTips’ MLB Pick:
Seattle Mariners (+125)
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*Odds correct at time of publication, courtesy of BetMGM.
