Framber Valdez, one of this season’s toughest pitchers, leads the Houston Astros (29-21) into Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum on Saturday as they match up against the Oakland Athletics (10-43).
The Astros took Friday’s series opener 5-2, their fifth straight head-to-head victory, including all four games this season. Hunter Brown got the win, giving up two runs on four hits over seven innings and striking out 10, and Ryan Pressly struck out the side in the ninth to pick up his ninth save. Kyle Tucker was 2 for 3 with one run in the win. Seth Brown went 1 for 4 with a home run and two RBIs for the Athletics.
ON THE MOUND
Valdez (4-4, 2.45 ERA) is slated to take the mound for Houston. The left-hander ranks fifth in the AL in ERA and tied for fifth in strikeouts (72). Valdez matches up against the Athletics for the second start in a row.
He threw a complete game shutout last time out in a 2-0 home victory on Sunday. He scattered only four hits, striking out seven en route to the win. Southpaw Hogan Harris (0-0, 162.00 ERA) takes the mound for Oakland, his first start of the season.
It’s his first appearance of the season against the Astros. In his last appearance on April 14, Harris pitched in relief at home against the Mets. He threw 0.1 innings and gave up six runs on one hit, walking five, in the 17-6 loss.
AT THE PLATE
Over the last five games, Houston has averaged 3.8 runs a game, a small drop compared to their season average of 4.4. Against lefties like Harris this season, the ‘Stros have a .740 OPS. Yordan Alvarez is the team’s most potent producer against left-handers with a 1.040 OPS in 60 at-bats.
Oakland is averaging only 1.8 runs per game in the last five, down from 3.5 for the season, with their slash line falling across the board (.159/.190/.217).
The A’s have a .731 OPS against left-handers in 2023. With a 1.091 OPS over 47 at-bats, Brent Rooker has been their best hitter against left-handers.
HOME AND AWAY
Houston is 15-10 in road games in 2023, scoring 4.4 runs per game while allowing 3.4 runs. Oakland has gone 5-21 at their home ballpark this season, averaging 3.2 runs per game while surrendering 6.7.
In the last 10 meetings at Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum, Houston is 6-4 with an average scoreline of 4.4-3.1.
STANDINGS UPDATE
The Astros are second in the AL West, three games behind the division-leading Rangers. The Athletics are fifth in the AL West, 23 games behind the Rangers.
SportsTips’ MLB Pick:
Houston Astros -2.5 (-115)
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*Odds correct at time of publication, courtesy of BetMGM.
