Hot-hitting Yordan Alvarez will be looking to extend his 13-game hitting streak as the Houston Astros (+130) host the Chicago Cubs (-150) at Minute Maid Park on Wednesday with the home team eyeing a sweep of the three-game Interleague series. The early total has been set at 8.5 with the over a -115 favorite.
The Astros (23-19) lead the series 2-0 after winning 7-3 on Tuesday. Cristian Javier went six innings, giving up one run on two hits, to get the win.
Mauricio Dubon went 2 for 4 with two doubles and two runs in the win. Seiya Suzuki was 2 for 4 with a home run and two RBIs for the Cubs (19-23). Matt Mervis added a solo home run.
ON THE MOUND
Drew Smyly (4-1, 3.05 ERA) is slated to take the mound for Chicago. The left-hander allowed two runs over six innings in his last start, a 6-2 road win over the Twins on Friday.
He was credited with the win, giving up four hits while striking out four and walking one. For Houston, righty J.P. France (1-0, 0.77 ERA) will toe the rubber.
It’s his first appearance of the season against the Cubs. In his last start on Friday, France got the win on the road against the White Sox. He threw 6.2 innings and gave up one run on three hits, striking out three and walking one in the 5-1 triumph.
AT THE PLATE
Over the last five games, Chicago has averaged only 3.4 runs a game, down from their season average of 4.8, while performing worse across the board (.223/.295/.373).
Against righties like France this season, the Cubs have a .741 OPS. Ian Happ is the team’s strongest performer against right-handers with a 1.033 OPS in 107 at-bats.
Houston is averaging 4.6 runs per game in the last five, up slightly from 4.4 for the season. The ‘Stros have a .731 OPS against left-handers in 2023. With a 1.001 OPS over 36 at-bats, Jeremy Pena has been their best hitter against left-handers.
HOME AND AWAY
Chicago is on a four-game losing streak away from Wrigley Field, bringing their record to 8-12 in 2023. The Cubs have scored 4.7 runs per game away from home, while allowing 4.4 runs.
Houston has gone 10-11 at Minute Maid Park this season, averaging 4.4 runs per game while surrendering 4.0. In the last 10 games between the teams at Minute Maid Park, Houston is 6-4 with an average scoreline of 3.8-3.7.
STANDINGS UPDATE
The Cubs are third in the NL Central, five games behind the division-leading Brewers. The Astros are second in the AL West, three games behind the Rangers.
SportsTips’ MLB Pick:
Houston Astros (-160)
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*Odds correct at time of publication, courtesy of BetMGM.
