PREMIUM
The Coach's MLB Top Rated SURE SHOT - HOU@TB
(MLB) Houston vs. Tampa Bay,
Money Line: -109.00 Houston (Away)
Result: Loss
Money Line: -109.00 Houston (Away)
Result: Loss
The Tampa Bay Rays defeated the Houston Astros 3-1 last night, and I expect another low-scoring contest at Tropicana Field Saturday afternoon when the two teams will square off in the middle game of this three-game series.
Here are my keys to the game:
1. Pitching - The Astros will hand the ball to their ace Dallas Keuchel (11-3, 2.14 ERA) who's been exceptional all season long. He has the lowest ERA in the American League and had tossed 19 shutout innings before giving up three runs in six innings his last start. The Rays will counter with Jake Odorizzi (4-5, 2.47) who's had a great season as well. He will make his first start since June 5 due to an oblique injury, and what better place to make the comeback than at the Trop where he's compiled a 1.64 ERA over five starts this season.
2. Houston's Bats - Last year's AL batting champ Jose Altuve is hitting .342 in July.
3. X-Factor - The Astros are 19-7 in Keuchels last 26 starts.
Selection: This is a play on the Houston Astros (10*)
Here are my keys to the game:
1. Pitching - The Astros will hand the ball to their ace Dallas Keuchel (11-3, 2.14 ERA) who's been exceptional all season long. He has the lowest ERA in the American League and had tossed 19 shutout innings before giving up three runs in six innings his last start. The Rays will counter with Jake Odorizzi (4-5, 2.47) who's had a great season as well. He will make his first start since June 5 due to an oblique injury, and what better place to make the comeback than at the Trop where he's compiled a 1.64 ERA over five starts this season.
2. Houston's Bats - Last year's AL batting champ Jose Altuve is hitting .342 in July.
3. X-Factor - The Astros are 19-7 in Keuchels last 26 starts.
Selection: This is a play on the Houston Astros (10*)