Houston Astros vs. Kansas City Royals 9/15/23 – As the MLB season approaches its final stretch, the Houston Astros and the Kansas City Royals are set to face off at the Ewing M. Kauffman Stadium tonight at 8:10 PM ET, a game that will be aired on ESP+. The starting pitchers for this matchup are Cristian Javier for the Astros and Zack Greinke for the Royals. For those looking to place wagers on this game, Canadian top betting sites offer a variety of odds and lines.
Houston Astros vs. Kansas City Royals
Date & Time: Friday, September 15, 2023 at 8:10 PM ET
Location: Ewing M. Kauffman Stadium
TV: ESP+
Houston Astros vs. Kansas City Royals 9/15/23 Betting Odds
| Moneyline | Spread | Total | |
| Astros | -213 | -1.5 (-127) | 9.5 over (-114) |
| Royals | +178 | +1.5 (+103) | 9.5 under (-114) |
Houston Astros Analysis
The Houston Astros come into this game with a strong 83-64 record, signaling their dominance in the league this year. Their batting lineup is not just statistically impressive; it’s practically a nightmare for opposing pitchers. With a team batting average of .260 and 201 home runs, they’re among the top-performing offenses this season. Additionally, their 758 runs and 1311 hits show that they are not just about power but also understand how to manufacture runs through contact hitting and situational baseball. Their On-Base Percentage of .332 suggests that they have a disciplined approach at the plate, and a Slugging Percentage of .435 indicates they are successful at converting those disciplined approaches into impactful hits.
As for the starting pitcher, Cristian Javier presents a mixed bag. His 9-3 win-loss record is undoubtedly impressive, signaling that he’s been getting substantial run support from his offense. His ERA of 4.78, while not stellar, can be managed if the Astros’ offense performs to its capabilities. He’s pitched 141.1 innings this season, allowing 129 hits and 54 walks while racking up 132 strikeouts. His vulnerability to the long ball with 23 home runs allowed is something to keep an eye on, as it could be a game-changer if not managed effectively.
Kansas City Royals Analysis
The Kansas City Royals are having a season they’d like to forget, with a record of 46-101. Their offensive stats are less than inspiring. A team batting average of .242 is hardly intimidating, and while they’ve managed 145 home runs, it hasn’t been enough to lift them out of their slump. They’ve scored 601 runs and have 1197 hits, which are below-average numbers by any metric. Their On-Base Percentage stands at just .301, and their Slugging Percentage at .395, both of which indicate that they’ve been struggling to get runners on base and bring them home.
Starting for the Royals is Zack Greinke, whose 1-15 record is indicative of the Royals’ season as a whole. With an ERA of 5.47, it’s clear that he’s been struggling on the mound this year. Although his WHIP of 1.29 is on par with his counterpart for the Astros, he’s given up a significant number of hits (145) and home runs (25) in 126.2 innings pitched, while accumulating just 84 strikeouts. The lack of run support from his team’s offense has compounded his troubles, putting him in a difficult position going into this matchup.
Houston Astros vs. Kansas City Royals Against the Spread
When it comes to betting trends, the Houston Astros have shown an upward trajectory. The total has gone OVER in 6 of their last 9 games, and they hold a 6-3 SU in the same period. Moreover, they have been dominant against the Royals, going 4-1 SU in their last five meetings and 8-0 SU in their last eight games on the road. The Royals, on the other hand, have been struggling, going 5-13 SU in their last 18 games and 3-9 SU in their last 12 games at home. Interestingly, the total has gone OVER in 4 of the Royals’ last 5 games against Houston, a glimmer of hope for those eyeing the ‘Over’ option.
Houston Astros vs. Kansas City Royals Free Pick
Given the current form, stats, and starting pitchers, the predictions and picks for tonight’s game are as follows:
Moneyline: Astros -213
The Houston Astros at -213 seems like a solid bet considering their strong form.
Spread: Astros -1.5 (-127)
A bet on Houston Astros to cover the spread of -1.5 at -127 also looks promising given the trends and team comparisons.
Total: 9.5 over (-114)
Given the Astros’ propensity for high-scoring games and Greinke’s struggles this season, betting on the OVER at 9.5 with odds of -114 appears to be a good pick.
Prediction: 3-7 Houston Astros win
With the game fast approaching, the Houston Astros seem like the clear favorites, not just based on their seasonal performance but also the recent form of both teams. Whether you’re a seasoned veteran or new to sports betting, this article offers valuable insights for your baseball free picks. It’s always crucial to weigh all the variables, including team stats, player form, and betting trends, before placing your bets. Good luck!
