Atlanta Braves at Houston Astros odds, picks and predictions
The Atlanta Braves (11-5) and Houston Astros (6-13) wrap up a 3-game interleague series at Minute Maid Park Wednesday. First pitch is scheduled for 2:10 p.m. ET (ESPN+). Let's analyze BetMGM Sportsbook's lines around the Braves vs. Astros odds and make our expert MLB picks and predictions for the best bets.
Season series: Braves lead 2-0
The Braves posted a 6-2 win against the Astros on Tuesday, cashing as a slight underdog (+105) as the Under (9.5) cashed. Atlanta won 6-1 as a favorite (-115) on Monday, also hitting the Under (10.5). The Braves have posted 8 victories in the past 11 outings, and the Under is on a 3-1 run.
The Astros are in freefall, sitting in last place in the AL West Division with a minus-22 run differential. Houston has allowed 105 runs, most in the AL, and 2nd-most in the majors. The Astros have posted a dismal 4-8 mark at home.
Atlanta is 3-1 in interleague play so far, including 2-0 in this series, while Houston's only 2 interleague games in 2024 are in this series, losing both outings.
Braves at Astros projected starters
LHP Max Fried vs. RHP J.P. France
Fried (1-0, 8.74 ERA) makes his 4th start. He has a 1.85 WHIP, 4.0 BB/9 and 7.9 K/9 in 11 1/3 innings.
- Last start: Win, 6 1/3 IP, 1 ER, 4 H, 1 BB, 4 K in 8-1 road win vs. Miami Marlins Friday
- 2024 road splits: 1-0, 5.14 ERA, 1.43 WHIP and .231 opponent batting average (OBA) in 7 IP across 2 starts.
France (0-2, 8.22 ERA) makes his 4th start. He has a 1.89 WHIP, 4.1 BB/9 and 7.0 K/9 in 15 1/3 innings.
- Last start: Loss, 4 IP, 8 ER, 8 H (1 HR), 4 BB, 3 K in 12-8 home loss vs. Texas Rangers Friday
- 2014 home splits: 0-1, 10.24 ERA, 1.97 WHIP and .333 opponent OBA in 9 2/3 IP across 2 starts.
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Braves at Astros odds
Provided by BetMGM Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list. Lines last updated at 6:49 a.m. ET.
- Moneyline (ML): Braves -150 (bet $150 to win $100) | Astros +125 (bet $100 to win $125)
- Run line (RL)/Against the spread (ATS): Braves -1.5 (+105) | Astros +1.5 (-125)
- Over/Under (O/U): 9 (O: -115 | U: -105)
Braves at Astros picks and predictions
Prediction
Braves 7, Astros 5
Moneyline
The BRAVES (-150) are a solid play as moderate favorites as the road team looks to cap off the 3-game interleague sweep, while keeping the Astros (+125) down.
Atlanta has outscored Houston 12-3 in the 1st 2 games, and the offense has managed 6.1 runs per game (RPG) in the past 11 outings. The Braves are tops in the majors with 6.4 RPG, while hitting a robust .302 to also lead the league.
The Astros have managed just 4.37 RPG to rank 17th, while allowing a dismal 5.39 RPG, checking in 29th, while posting a 1.54 WHIP, which is 28th.
Run line/Against the spread
The BRAVES -1.5 (+105) are worth a roll of the dice on the run line at plus-money.
Atlanta has now only won the past 3 games, but the margin of victory is 3.7 RPG. As a favorite, the Braves are 4-4 on the run line.
On the flip side, the Astros +1.5 (-125) are 2-3 on the run line as an underdog, winning 2 of those outings outright.
Over/Under
OVER 9 (-115) is worth a look in this getaway day game in H-Town.
Fried and France each have ERAs north of 8, as both pitchers have gotten off to rocky starts. While that's bad news for side bettors, it's excellent news for total bettors. Go high, and feel confident in doing so.
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