Hot-hitting Kyle Tucker will be looking to extend his 16-game hitting streak as the Houston Astros (+120) host the Baltimore Orioles (-140) at Minute Maid Park on Saturday. The early total was set at 8 runs with the over a -120 favorite. The Orioles (66-59) took Friday’s series opener 2-0, their fourth straight head-to-head victory. Starter Kyle Bradish threw eight scoreless innings to get the win, and Dillon Tate pitched 0.1 scoreless innings to earn his third save. Ramon Urias was 2 for 4 with a home run and two RBIs in the win. Kyle Stowers added one run on two hits. Alex Bregman went 2 for 4 for the Astros (81-46).
ON THE MOUND
Dean Kremer (5-4, 3.45 ERA) is set to start for Baltimore. The RHP allowed one run over 5.1 innings in his last start, a 5-3 road win over the Red Sox on Sunday. He yielded five hits while striking out four and walking two in the no-decision. For Houston, RHP Jose Urquidy (12-4, 3.63 ERA) will take the mound. It’s his first appearance of the season against the Orioles. Urquidy made two appearances against the Orioles in 2021, both starts, striking out six and walking one over 8.1 innings (1-0, 1.08).In his last start on Sunday, Urquidy got the win on the road against the Braves. He threw seven innings and gave up two runs on five hits, striking out six and walking two in the 5-4 triumph. The righty is tied for third in the AL in wins.
AT THE PLATE
Over the last five games, Baltimore has averaged 3.8 runs a game, a small drop compared to their season average of 4.3. Against right-handed pitchers like Urquidy this season, the O’s have a .702 OPS. Cedric Mullins is the team’s best performer against right-handers with a .820 OPS in 318 at-bats.Houston is averaging only 4.0 runs per game in the last five, down slightly from 4.6 for the season. The ‘Stros have a .738 OPS against right-handers in 2022. With a 1.031 OPS over 249 at-bats, Yordan Alvarez has been their best hitter against right-handers.
HOME AND AWAY
Baltimore is 29-35 away from home in 2022, scoring 4.2 runs per game while allowing 4.4 runs. Houston has gone 42-19 at home this season, averaging 4.6 runs per game while surrendering 3.2. The teams have split their last 10 meetings at Minute Maid Park, though Baltimore has the scoring advantage with an average final margin of 4.5-4.0.
STANDINGS UPDATE
The Orioles are fourth in the AL East, 11 games behind the division-leading Yankees. The Astros lead the AL West by 11 games over the Mariners.
SportsTips’ MLB Pick:
Baltimore Orioles (+155)
Want up to a $1K risk free bet for this pick?
Claim with 
today!
If you need more news, information and predictions, head over to our MLB hub page for all your baseball needs!
*Odds correct at time of publication, courtesy of BetMGM.
