Friday night features an interleague battle with massive playoff implications as the Houston Astros (87-72) go toe-to-toe with the Arizona Diamondbacks (84-75).
The Houston Astros come into this one having gone just 4-6 in their last 10 MLB games. To their credit, they have been much better on the road this season (48-30) than at home (39-42).
In their last series, they were able to take two of three from the Seattle Mariners. In Wednesday’s finale, they won 8-3.
The Arizona Diamondbacks record over their last ten games is a solid 7-3. When playing at home this year, they are 43-35.
To start the week, the Diamondbacks were able to take two of three from the Chicago White Sox, although they did lose Thursday’s finale 3-1.
Heading into this matchup, let’s take a look at our Astros vs Diamondbacks picks & parlays.
Houston Astros vs. Arizona Diamondbacks Odds
Before determining our Astros vs Diamondbacks picks & parlays, it is important to analyze the MLB odds.
- Moneyline: Arizona is the slight favorite in this one playing at home. They are -126 on the moneyline, while the Astros are +116.
- Spread: In terms of the spread, the Astros are +1.5, with odds of -180. The Diamondbacks are -1.5, with odds of +160.
- Over/Under: The over/under for total runs sits at 8.5. The over has odds of -115, while the under eight runs has odds of -105.
Houston Astros vs. Arizona Diamondbacks Picks & Parlays
With both teams fighting to secure a playoff berth, Friday’s game should be full of drama.
Astros vs. Diamondbacks Pick:
- Arizona Diamondbacks to win (-126) against Houston Astros
Astros vs. Diamondbacks Parlay:
- The Diamondbacks to win (-126)
- Under 8.5 runs (-105)
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Houston Astros vs. Arizona Diamondbacks Information
Houston Astros vs Arizona Diamondbacks
Location of the game: Chase Field, Phoenix, AZ.
Date & Time: Friday, September 29. 9:40 pm ET.
How to watch: MLB.tv
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Astros vs. Diamondbacks Betting Analysis
Astros’ manager Dusty Baker will turn to 28-year-old righty J.P. France in Friday’s opener. In 24 games, he is 11-6 with a 3.83 ERA and 1.36 WHIP, and he has 101 strikeouts in 136.1 innings.
France took the loss in his last outing against the Royals after giving up two earned runs over five innings of work. In his last two starts, he has given up a combined seven earned runs over 9.1 innings.
Looking at the MLB team stats, the Houston Astros roster ranks fifth in scoring, averaging 5.13 runs per game. They have been even better on the road, averaging 5.78 runs away from home.
The biggest offensive contributors for the Astros are Yordan Alvarez (31 HR, 97 RBI, 76 R) and Kyle Tucker (29 HR, 111 RBI, 93 R, 29 SB).
Diamondbacks’ Ace on Display
As for the Diamondbacks, they will turn to 28-year-old ace Zac Gallen in Friday’s opener. In 33 games, his MLB player stats show he is 17-8 with a 3.49 ERA and 1.11 WHIP, and he has 213 strikeouts in 203.2 innings.
Gallen has picked up back-to-back wins in his last two starts. Last time out, he went six scoreless against the Yankees, allowing three hits and struck out eight.
Offensively, the Diamondbacks rank 13th in the majors in scoring, averaging 4.70 runs per game (4.65 at home).
Arizona is led by both Christian Walker (33 HR, 103 RBI, 86 R, 11 SB) and Corbin Carroll (25 HR, 76 RBI, 116 R, 52 SB).
Houston Astros vs. Arizona Diamondbacks Betting Picks
Both teams currently occupy a Wild Card spot entering play Friday, but neither team has clinched a playoff berth. With so much on the line, both MLB teams will look for solid performances from their pitching.
While J.P. France has had a nice season, Zac Gallen has been remarkable when pitching at home this season. He is 5-6 with a 4.42 ERA in 18 road starts this year, but he is a dominating 12-2 with a 2.45 ERA in 15 home starts.
With Gallen on the mound, expect the Diamondbacks to take the opener straight up. Also, with two solid pitchers on the mound, expect the total to stay low.
- For those reasons, as far as our Astros vs Diamondbacks picks & parlays, take the Diamondbacks to win (-126) and the under 8.5 runs (-105) to hit.
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