Brandon Bielak is lined up to make his first start of the season as the Houston Astros (-190) match up against the Seattle Mariners (+160) at T-Mobile Park on Sunday with the visitors looking for a sweep of the three-game series. The early total was set at 8.5 runs with the under a -115 favorite.
The Astros (17-16) lead the series 1-0 after winning 6-4 on Friday, their fifth straight head-to-head victory. Bryan Abreu threw one inning out of the bullpen to get the win, and Ryan Pressly earned his fourth save with a scoreless ninth.
Jeremy Pena was 3 for 4 with two doubles, one run, and one RBI for the Astros (17-16). Jake Meyers added two doubles, one run, and two RBIs. J.P. Crawford went 1 for 3 with a double, one run, and three RBIs in the win. Jose Caballero added a double, one run, and two RBIs.
ON THE MOUND
Bielak (0-0, 4.50 ERA) is set to start for Houston, his first of the season. The righty allowed two runs in four innings of relief in his last appearance, a 7-3 road win over the Giants on Monday. He gave up two hits while striking out six and walking three. Bielak is making his first appearance against the Mariners this season.
Bielak made one appearance against the Mariners in 2022, a 6-3 home loss on June 8. He surrendered one run on two hits over three innings, striking out one and walking one. RHP Bryce Miller (0-0, 1.50 ERA) will toe the rubber for Seattle.
It’s his first appearance of the season against the Astros. In his last start on Tuesday, Miller took a no-decision on the road against the Athletics. He threw six innings and gave up one run on two hits, striking out 10, in the 2-1 win.
AT THE PLATE
Over the last five games, Houston has averaged 4.0 runs a game, a small drop compared to their season average of 4.5. Against righties like Miller this season, the ‘Stros have a .667 OPS.
Kyle Tucker is the team’s strongest performer against right-handers with a .889 OPS in 78 at-bats. Seattle is averaging 5.0 runs per game in the last five, up slightly from 4.4 for the season.
The M’s have a .693 OPS against right-handers in 2023. With a .414 OBP over 85 at-bats, Crawford has their highest on-base percentage against right-handers.
HOME AND AWAY
Houston is 9-5 in away games in 2023, scoring 4.9 runs per game while allowing 3.6 runs. Seattle has gone 8-10 at home this season, averaging 4.4 runs per game while surrendering 4.3. Houston is 7-3 in the last 10 meetings at T-Mobile Park with an average scoreline of 3.2-3.2.
STANDINGS UPDATE
The Astros are third in the AL West, two games behind the division-leading Rangers. The Mariners are fourth in the AL West, three games behind the Rangers.
SportsTips’ MLB Pick:
Seattle Mariners (-140)
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*Odds correct at time of publication, courtesy of BetMGM.
