Why the Astros on Thursday at -130...The 'Stros travel to Cleveland to open a four game set against the Indians. Coming in as winners of six out of their last seven games, the Astros averaged 4.7 RPG to go with a .259 BA/.314 OBP during that stretch. Charlie Morton will toe the slab for Houston who has posted a 2.37 era over his last 19 IP against the Indians, Rangers and Diamondbacks. In that stretch, Morton allowed 11 hits on 25 Ks and 5 BBs. Looking into Morton's most recent start, which came against the Indians, he posted a FB% of 41% (highest of season) which obviously led to a BABIP against in that start of .188. Another healthy trend with Morton is that he is throwing his CB at a higher percentage as of late and he did see an uptick in his aCBv in his last start of 80.2 mph (highest of season). With a combined 86 ABs against Morton, the Indians have posted a .198 BA/.242 OBP. With that being said, we will back Morton who posted a BOB Score in his last start of 382. The Indians come into Thursday's matchup after an eight day road trip in which they went 4-4. In that stretch, the Indians averaged 4.6 RPG with a .255 BA/.336 OBP. Mike Clevinger will take the ball for Cleveland who comes in with a 2.87 era (3.98 home era). In Clevinger's most recent start, which came against the Astros, he posted a FB% of 23.5% (lowest of the season) which directly affected his BABIP against in that start to a bloated .438. In a combined 45 ABs, the Astros have a .267 BA/.365 OBP against Clevinger. Auto-fade with this Indians pen right now with a 6.21 home era while having to protect a high-leverage 1-0 win last night using Miller and Allen; compared to the Astros road era of 1.92.
Play on the Astros at -130
Play on the Astros at -130
