Free MLB Picks Today: Houston Astros vs San Francisco Giants 5/2/23

Hunter Brown, one of this season’s stingiest pitchers, is set to take the mound for the Houston Astros (16-13) as they face off against the San Francisco Giants (11-17) at Minute Maid Park on Tuesday. The Astros took Monday’s series opener 7-3. Ryne Stanek got the win with one scoreless inning of relief.

Mauricio Dubon went 3 for 5 with a double, two runs, and two RBIs in the win. LaMonte Wade Jr. was 2 for 3 with a home run and two runs for the Giants. Joc Pederson added a home run and two RBIs.

ON THE MOUND

Anthony DeSclafani (2-1, 2.70 ERA) is set to take the mound for San Francisco. The right-hander allowed two runs over six innings in his last start, a 7-3 road win over the Cardinals on Wednesday. He earned the win, scattering six hits while striking out six and walking one.Righty Brown (3-0, 2.37 ERA) gets the start for Houston.

It’s his first appearance of the season against the Giants. In his last start on Wednesday, Brown got the win on the road against the Rays. He threw seven scoreless innings and gave up two hits, striking out eight and walking two in the 1-0 triumph.

AT THE PLATE

Over the last five games, San Francisco has averaged 5.0 runs a game, a small gain compared to their season average of 4.6. Against right-handed pitchers like Brown this season, the Giants have ann .815 OPS, third highest in the league. Wade Jr. has the team’s highest on-base percentage against right-handers at .463 over 60 at-bats.

Houston is averaging only 2.8 runs per game in the last five, down from 4.7 for the season, with their slash line slipping across the board (.209/.260/.291).

The ‘Stros have a .680 OPS against right-handers in 2023. With a .385 OBP over 66 at-bats, Alex Bregman has their highest on-base percentage against right-handers.

HOME AND AWAY

San Francisco is on a three-game losing streak in road games, bringing their record to 4-10 in 2023. The Giants have scored 5.5 runs per game away from home, while allowing 6.1 runs.

Houston has gone 8-9 at their home park this season, averaging 4.5 runs per game while surrendering 4.1. In the last 10 games between the teams at Minute Maid Park, Houston is 6-4 with an average scoreline of 5.2-4.3.

STANDINGS UPDATE

The Giants are fourth in the NL West, five games behind the division-leading Dodgers. The Astros are second in the AL West, one games behind the Rangers.