Josh Bell and the surging Pittsburgh Pirates will be taking the field versus the Houston Astros at Minute Maid Park in a Thursday showdown. This interleague showdown gets going at 2:10 p.m. ET and fans can watch the game on ATPT and ATSW.
Pittsburgh Pirates vs. Houston Astros Odds
Las Vegas has Pittsburgh (+175) as the underdog to Houston (-185). If you’re thinking the game’s total is going to finish under 9.5 runs, then Vegas is currently offering -105 odds. Taking the over return -115 odds. This game currently has a runline of Pirates +1.5 (-125) and Astros -1.5 (+105).
The Pirates have gone 37-41 SU this year and are 38-39 against the spread (ATS). They’ve lost 0.2 units for bettors taking the moneyline and 8.3 units ATS. Pittsburgh has covered the spread only twice over its last seven games and the total has gone over in three of those seven. The Astros, on the other hand, are 50-31 SU and 43-37 ATS. They’ve gained 2.6 units for bettors taking the moneyline and 3.2 units ATS. Houston has covered the spread only twice over its last seven games and the total has gone under in four of those seven.
Astros games have had an over/under record of 35-43-2 so far in 2019. Pittsburgh has been a good over bet with a total record of 44-29-4.
The right-handed Joe Musgrove will get the start for the visiting Pirates. Musgrove is 5-7 with a 4.57 ERA and 69 strikeouts. He has yet to face the Astros this year and did not record a start against them in 2018, either.
The Astros are putting the ball in the hands of righty Brad Peacock (6-5, 3.62 ERA), who has 87 punchouts and 24 walks as well as a WHIP of 1.10. Peacock did not record a start against the Pirates in 2018.
Pittsburgh’s pitching staff allowed 5.4 runs per game and its starters own a 4.96 ERA, 1.39 WHIP and 8.26 K/9. The bullpen has an ERA of 5.17, along with a WHIP of 1.39 and a K/9 of 9.74.
Pirates hitters have slashed .264/.323/.421 on their way to 4.6 runs scored per game in 2019, including 6.5 runs per game over the team’s last 10 games and 6.8 per game over the team’s last five outings (4-1 SU).
First baseman Josh Bell and right fielder Starling Marte continue to lead Pittsburgh’s offense. Bell is slashing .310/.383/.636 with 21 home runs, 68 RBIs and 60 runs scored, while Marte is hitting .271 with 11 homers, 38 RBIs, 46 runs and 11 stolen bases.
For the home team, Houston’s pitchers have given up 4.0 runs per game overall this season. The club’s starters have a 3.78 ERA, 1.08 WHIP and 10.3 strikeouts per nine innings. The bullpen has a 3.88 ERA, 1.19 WHIP and 9.6 K/9.
The Houston hitters have put up 5.1 runs per contest, including 3.5 per game over its last 10 games and 4.4 per game over their last five. The team has slashed .291/.361/.514 over its last five games and is 2-3 SU during that span.
Outfielders Michael Brantley and Josh Reddick have led the way for the Astros’ hitters this year. Brantley is slashing .317/.375/.502 with 11 home runs, 43 RBIs and 38 runs scored, and Reddick’s line is .300/.339/.444 with nine homers, 28 RBIs and 33 runs scored.
The Pirates have gained 1.8 units and are 29-29 ATS when facing a righty starter this season. The over has cashed in 32 of those games, compared to 23 that’ve gone under in such games. On the other hand, the Astros have lost 5.0 units and are 29-28 ATS when facing a right-handed starting pitcher. The over has hit in 27 of those games, compared to 29 which went under the total.
Pirates vs. Astros MLB Tip
Predictions: SU Winner – Astros, ATS Winner – Pirates, O/U – UNDER
Betting Trends
- The under has hit in only two of Pittsburgh’s last seven games.
- The Pirates have won five of their last six games SU.
- Houston has posted 21.5 Runs + Hits + Errors per game over its last 10 contests and 24.8 over its last five.
- The Pirates have hit 10 home runs in their last 10 games. The Astros have hit 15 over their last 10.
- The Pirates have a total OPS of .744 this season and an OPS of .761 when facing right-handed pitchers. The Astros’ OPS sits at .821 overall and .791 against righties.
