Oakland Athletics at Houston Astros Player Props, Picks and Predictions - 9/12/2024 2:10 PM EST

We have your Oakland Athletics at Houston Astros prop betting and game preview needs covered as the Oakland Athletics hit the road to face the Houston Astros.

Oakland Athletics at Houston Astros Odds Info

Best Moneyline Odds: Oakland Athletics +210 (ESPN Bet) / Houston Astros -250 (bet365)
Best Spread Odds: -1.5 - Oakland Athletics -105 (BetMGM) / Houston Astros -115 (Caesars)
Best Total Odds: 8.0 - Under -105 (bet365) / Over -110 (BetMGM)

Game Info

Date: 9/12/2024
Time: 2:10 PM EST
Location: Minute Maid Park (Houston, Texas)
TV: MLB.TV

Historic Head-to-Head Stats and Analysis

In the past month, the Oakland Athletics and the Houston Astros have faced each other once, with the Athletics emerging victorious. This game took place on September 10, 2024, where the Athletics, as the visiting team, defeated the Astros 4-3. The Athletics also covered the spread, as they were the underdogs with a point spread of +1.5. The game went under the total score line, with a combined score of 7 against an over-under of 8.5. The Athletics' win was significant as it was achieved on the road, highlighting their ability to perform away from home.

In the most recent game on September 10, 2024, the Athletics secured a narrow victory over the Astros in a 12-inning contest. The Athletics took an early lead with a sacrifice fly by Shea Langeliers in the 1st inning and a home run by Zack Gelof in the 2nd inning. The Astros responded in the 7th inning, tying the game at 2-2 with a triple by Jon Singleton and an infield single by José Altuve. The game remained tied until the 12th inning when the Athletics scored two runs through a sacrifice by Max Schuemann and a fielder's choice by Nick Allen. Although the Astros managed to score one more run in the bottom of the 12th, the Athletics held on for a 4-3 win. Key statistics from the game included the Athletics recording 9 hits and 14 strikeouts, while the Astros had 10 hits and 7 strikeouts. Both teams struggled to capitalize on scoring opportunities, with the Athletics leaving 17 runners on base and the Astros leaving 28.

The Athletics' victory was supported by strong pitching, with their staff allowing only 3 runs over 12 innings, despite giving up 10 hits. The Athletics' pitchers recorded 7 strikeouts and issued 3 walks, maintaining control throughout the game. On the other hand, the Astros' pitching staff also performed well, striking out 14 Athletics batters and allowing only 9 hits. However, they were unable to prevent the Athletics from scoring in the crucial 12th inning. The game highlighted the Athletics' resilience and ability to execute in high-pressure situations, setting the stage for their upcoming matchup against the Astros.

Oakland Athletics at Houston Astros Preview

The Oakland Athletics and Houston Astros are set to face off in a crucial matchup at Minute Maid Park, with both teams having much at stake. The Athletics, coming off a narrow 5-4 victory over the Astros, have shown resilience and strategic prowess, particularly with their unconventional use of bunts in recent games. This approach has allowed them to capitalize on scoring opportunities, as evidenced by their recent success against the Astros' pitching staff.

On the other hand, the Astros are looking to halt a three-game losing streak that has tightened the race in the AL West. Despite their recent struggles, the Astros boast a formidable lineup, with Yordan Alvarez leading the charge with a .313 batting average and 32 home runs this season. However, the team faces challenges with key injuries, including Jose Altuve's day-to-day status due to right side discomfort and Chas McCormick's recent placement on the injured list with a fractured hand.

Pitching will be a focal point in this matchup, with the Athletics' Mitch Spence taking the mound against the Astros' ace, Framber Valdez. Valdez, with a 14-6 record and a 2.97 ERA, has been a reliable force for Houston, and his performance will be crucial in containing the Athletics' offense. Meanwhile, Spence will aim to build on the Athletics' recent momentum and exploit any weaknesses in the Astros' lineup.

As the Athletics look to continue their winning ways and the Astros aim to regain their footing, this game promises to be a compelling contest. Both teams have demonstrated the ability to perform under pressure, and with the stakes high, fans can expect an intense battle on the field.

Oakland Athletics at Houston Astros Pick: Houston Astros Moneyline

The Houston Astros are poised to bounce back from their recent setbacks and secure a victory against the Oakland Athletics. Despite their current three-game losing streak, the Astros have demonstrated resilience and strength throughout the season, maintaining a solid 77-68 record overall and a commendable 41-32 record at home. This home advantage at Minute Maid Park could play a crucial role in their upcoming matchup.

One of the key factors favoring the Astros is the presence of their ace, Framber Valdez, on the mound. Valdez has been a consistent performer for Houston, boasting an impressive 14-6 record with a 2.97 ERA. His ability to control the game and limit the Athletics' offensive opportunities will be vital in turning the tide in favor of the Astros. Valdez's performance will be particularly crucial given the Athletics' recent success with unconventional strategies, such as their effective use of bunts, which have caught opponents off guard.

Offensively, the Astros have a formidable lineup led by Yordan Alvarez, who is hitting .313 with 32 home runs this season. Alvarez's power and consistency at the plate provide a significant threat to any opposing pitcher, including the Athletics' Mitch Spence. While the Astros are dealing with injuries to key players like Jose Altuve and Chas McCormick, their depth and experience in high-pressure situations should not be underestimated.

Moreover, the Astros have a psychological edge, having won seven out of the twelve matchups against the Athletics this season. This familiarity and past success against Oakland could provide the confidence boost needed to overcome their recent slump.

The combination of home-field advantage, a strong starting pitcher in Framber Valdez, and a powerful lineup led by Yordan Alvarez makes the Houston Astros a compelling pick to secure the win against the Oakland Athletics. As they aim to solidify their position in the AL West, expect the Astros to deliver a focused and determined performance.

Oakland Athletics at Houston Astros Top Player Prop Picks

Framber Valdez Over 7.5 Strikeouts -104 (Caesars)

Framber Valdez has been a cornerstone for the Houston Astros' pitching staff this season, boasting a 14-6 record with a 2.97 ERA. His ability to dominate on the mound is further highlighted by his 153 strikeouts, making him a formidable opponent for any lineup. As the Astros look to halt their three-game losing streak, Valdez's performance will be crucial. The Athletics, despite their recent success, have shown vulnerability against strong pitching, as evidenced by their 14 strikeouts in a recent 12-inning game against the Astros. Valdez's consistency and the Athletics' tendency to strike out make the over on 7.5 strikeouts a compelling pick.

Mitch Spence Under 3.5 Strikeouts -110 (FanDuel)

Mitch Spence faces a challenging task against a potent Astros lineup that ranks sixth in the AL with 170 total home runs. While Spence has been a part of the Athletics' recent momentum, the Astros' lineup, led by Yordan Alvarez, presents a significant threat. Alvarez's .313 batting average and 32 home runs this season underscore the difficulty Spence will face in keeping the Astros' bats quiet. Given the Astros' ability to make contact and their need to break out of a slump, Spence may struggle to reach the 3.5 strikeout mark, making the under a favorable option.

Yordan Alvarez Over 0.5 Runs Scored -125 (bet365)

Yordan Alvarez has been a standout performer for the Astros, leading the team with a .313 batting average and 32 home runs. His presence in the lineup is a constant threat to opposing pitchers, and his ability to get on base and score runs is crucial for the Astros' success. With the Athletics' Mitch Spence on the mound, Alvarez has a prime opportunity to capitalize on any pitching mistakes. Given his track record and the Astros' need to generate offense, betting on Alvarez to score at least one run is a strong proposition.