the 'Stros are hot right now, winning their last six of seven, without Altuve and Correa. Coming off of an off-day, the Astros will hand the ball to Justin Verlander to get this pivotal division series against the Mariners underway. JV has been his usual self of late, posting a 1.45 era over his L18 IP on 32 Ks and 4 BBs. Trustworthy spot to back Verlander in this home spot where he posts a 10.55 K/BB ratio and a .247 BABIP against. Taking a deeper look into Verlander's LS against the Dodgers, he experienced a velocity jump above SA with all four pitches, which should instill confidence when backing Justin as the Mariners have yet to face him in 2018. The Mariners, losers of five out of their last seven, will entrust James Paxton to get them back on track heading down this August stretch. Paxton is coming off back to back home starts in which he allowed a combined 3 ER over 14 IP on 15 Ks and 1 BB. On the road this season, Paxton sees his era rise to 3.84 where his BABIP against jumps to .318, with a hard contact% of 41% (compared to 26% at home). With this being the fourth time that Paxton will face the Astros this season, including the second time in ten days, we will fade James against a hot Astros team with their ace on the bump. Astros with a 3.62 era over their L14 Days compared to the Mariners 5.14 era during that same span.
Play on the Astros at -160
Play on the Astros at -160