Houston Astros vs. Kansas City Royals 9/17/23 – With the MLB season drawing closer to its climax, every game becomes a stepping stone towards the playoffs or a learning curve for the next season. This Sunday, September 17, 2023, at 2:10 PM ET, the Houston Astros (83-65) take on the Kansas City Royals (47-101) at Ewing M. Kauffman Stadium. The game will be broadcasted on BSKC. Starting for the Astros is Framber Valdez, and Jordan Lyles will be on the mound for the Royals. If you’re looking for the best baseball betting picks, you’ve come to the right place.
Houston Astros vs. Kansas City Royals
Date & Time: Sunday, September 17, 2023 at 2:10 PM ET
Location: Ewing M. Kauffman Stadium
TV: BSKC
Houston Astros vs. Kansas City Royals Betting Odds
| Moneyline | Spread | Total | |
| Astros | -230 | -1.5 (-159) | 9.5 over (-115) |
| Royals | +206 | +1.5 (+130) | 9.5 under (-105) |
Houston Astros Analysis
The Houston Astros possess an offense that can be classified as both deep and dynamic. Their .259 batting average is more than just a number; it signifies an ability to get on base consistently, putting pressure on the opposition’s defense. What makes their offense especially potent is their home run ability, with 202 dingers to their name this season. This long-ball capacity gives them an explosive element, turning games in their favor within a matter of moments.
Not to be overlooked is their on-base percentage of .331 and slugging percentage of .435. These metrics underscore an ability to draw walks, get key hits, and turn those into extra bases, putting them in stronger positions to score runs. A diverse and adaptable offense like this means they can capitalize on any pitching mistakes, making them a constant threat.
Their starting pitcher, Framber Valdez, comes into this game with solid credentials. An 11-10 win-loss record might seem modest, but his 3.32 ERA and 1.1 WHIP reveal a pitcher who often keeps his team in games. Valdez’s 178 strikeouts over 181.2 innings signify a pitcher who can get out of jams, while his limited walks and home runs suggest he’s savvy at controlling the game.
Kansas City Royals Analysis
In stark contrast, the Kansas City Royals have faced a multitude of challenges this season, reflected in their subpar .243 batting average and 605 runs scored. Although they’ve managed to hit 148 home runs, it hasn’t been enough to make a significant impact on most games. Their on-base percentage of .301 and slugging percentage of .396 reveal a team that struggles to maintain consistent pressure on opposing pitchers and defenses.
Jordan Lyles, the starting pitcher for the Royals, has faced his share of hardships this season. While his high strikeout number of 107 over 160.2 innings pitched shows glimpses of quality, his 4-16 win-loss record and 6.44 ERA are glaring indicators of a problematic season. His WHIP of 1.28 is on the high side, and the 36 home runs he’s allowed this year point towards a susceptibility to the long ball, which could be particularly problematic against a home-run hitting team like the Astros.
Jordan Lyles stats suggest that he needs to be particularly careful against an explosive Astros lineup, which has been effective at punishing pitchers who make errors. The matchup leans heavily in favor of Morton, who has been much more consistent this year in terms of both ERA and WHIP. Lyles’ walk-to-strikeout ratio also paints a grim picture, emphasizing the importance of not giving extra chances to an Astros lineup that can make you pay dearly.
Houston Astros vs. Kansas City Royals Against the Spread
The betting landscape for this game reveals some interesting trends. For Houston, the total has gone UNDER in 4 of their last 5 games. They are 7-3 straight-up in their last 10 games against Kansas City and have an astonishing 8-1 straight-up record in their last 9 road games. When playing on the road against the Royals, they are 10-5 straight-up in their last 15 encounters.
Conversely, Kansas City has seen the total go UNDER in 5 of their last 6 games. They have struggled lately with a 6-13 straight-up record in their last 19 games. Interestingly, the total has gone OVER in 6 of their last 9 games against Houston. At home, they have a 4-9 straight-up record in their last 13 games.
Houston Astros vs. Kansas City Royals Free Pick
Based on odds, trends, team stats, and starting pitchers, here are the picks:
Moneyline: Astros -230
The difference in quality between the teams and their starting pitchers is evident. Houston should secure the win comfortably.
Spread: Astros -1.5 (-159)
Considering Houston’s potent offense and Kansas City’s vulnerabilities, especially with their starting pitcher, it’s reasonable to expect Houston to win by at least two runs.
Total: 9.5 under (-105)
UNDER 9.5 (-115). Despite the Royals’ ability to sometimes hit the OVER against Houston, the trends for both teams point to a low-scoring game, especially with Valdez on the mound for the Astros.
Prediction: 2-5 Houston Astros win
This matchup may not be the most balanced on paper, but it offers bettors a clear direction for making profitable decisions. The Astros are expected to dominate, and the statistics back up this assertion, making them a compelling pick on both the moneyline and spread. Whether you are new to sports betting or a seasoned veteran, make sure to look for the best odds and options on the top betting websites in Canada or wherever you place your bets. Choose wisely and enjoy the game!
