Royals vs. Astros Prediction
Are the Astros a safe play on the runline this afternoon when they host the Royals at 2:10PM ET?
According to oddsmakers from online sports book BetDSI, the Astros are -210 on the money line to beat the Royals, who have odds of +175 to pull off the upset today in Houston. With Nathan Karns set to face Lance McCullers Jr. in the pitching matchup, the over/under currently sits at 8.5 runs.
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Karns wound up coming on in relief of Ian Kennedy during Wednesday’s 9-1 loss to the Twins. He allowed four runs on two hits and walked two in less than an inning of work. Both of his outs come via the strikeout, but otherwise he struggled mightily. The right-hander continues to struggle with control problems.
McCullers (1-0) allowed just one run on five hits while walking two and striking out seven over six innings in Tuesday’s 2-1 victory over the Mariners. The righty did an outstanding job keeping Seattle’s hitters off balance with his curveball and struck out five of the first 10 batters he faced. He also did an excellent job producing groundball outs (all 12 came on the ground and none via the air).
Bet Today’s Royals vs. Astros Game
OUR PICK: If you have the bankroll and feel comfortable laying heavy odds, then the Astros are a safe play to win outright. That said, this game has the potential to be a blowout so don’t be afraid to lay the -1.5 on the runline and get better value on Houston. The Astros are 4-1 in McCuller’s last five starts when he pitches the third game of a series and are 5-2 in his last seven home starts. This pitching matchup is a major mismatch.
SUNDAY MLB FREE PICK: HOUSTON ASTROS -1.5 (-105)