Hot-hitting Yordan Alvarez will be looking to extend his 10-game hitting streak as the Houston Astros (+145) face off against the Tampa Bay Rays (-170) at Tropicana Field on Wednesday with the visitors looking for a sweep of the three-game series. The early total was set at 7. The Astros (98-51) lead the series 2-0 after winning 5-0 on Tuesday. Starter Cristian Javier threw five scoreless innings- striking out six – to get the win, and Ryan Pressly pitched 0.2 scoreless innings to pick up his 29th save. Jeremy Pena was 2 for 4 with a home run and three RBIs in the win. Kyle Tucker added a double and one RBI. Wander Franco went 2 for 2 with a double and two walks for the Rays (82-66).
ON THE MOUND
Lance McCullers Jr. (3-1, 2.34 ERA) is slated for the start for Houston. The RHP allowed two runs over six innings in his last start, a 5-2 home win over the Athletics on Thursday. He gave up two hits while striking out 11 and walking four in the no-decision. McCullers Jr. is making his first appearance against the Rays this season. Over two starts against the Rays in 2021, McCullers Jr. was 2-0 with a 1.38 ERA over 13 innings. He had 13 strikeouts and four walks. For Tampa Bay, right-hander Corey Kluber (10-9, 4.44 ERA) is on the mound. It’s his first appearance of the season against the Astros. In his last start on Friday, Kluber took the loss at home against the Rangers. He threw 5.2 innings and gave up four runs on nine hits, striking out six, in the 4-3 defeat.
AT THE PLATE
Over the last five games, Houston has averaged 6.0 runs a game, up from their season average of 4.6, while performing better across the board (.276/.324/.518). Against righties like Kluber this season, the ‘Stros have a .732 OPS. Alex Bregman is the team’s best performer against right-handers with a .909 OPS in 327 at-bats. Tampa Bay is averaging only 2.6 runs per game in the last five, down from 4.2 for the season, with their slash line dropping across the board (.222/.301/.329). The Rays have a .686 OPS against right-handers in 2022. With a .805 OPS over 342 at-bats, Yandy Diaz has been their best hitter against right-handers.
HOME AND AWAY
Houston is on a six-game winning streak away from Minute Maid Park, bringing their record to 48-28 in 2022. The ‘Stros have scored 4.6 runs per game away from home, while allowing 3.2 runs. Tampa Bay has gone 49-27 at their home park this season, averaging 4.1 runs per game while surrendering 3.3. Tampa Bay is 6-4 in the last 10 games between the teams at Tropicana Field despite an average scoreline favoring Houston (3.3-3.2).
STANDINGS UPDATE
The Astros lead the AL West by 16 games over the Mariners. Their magic number to clinch the division is zero. The Rays are third in the AL East, seven games behind the Yankees. They currently occupy one of the Wild Card spots, sitting second.
SportsTips’ MLB Pick:
Tampa Bay Rays (+110)
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*Odds correct at time of publication, courtesy of BetMGM.
