San Diego Padres (66-75) vs. Houston Astros (80-61)
San Diego Padres vs. Houston Astros 9/9/23 – As we reach the closing weeks of the 2023 MLB season, the San Diego Padres and the Houston Astros are in vastly different positions. The Padres are underperforming with a 66-75 record, while the Astros are aiming for postseason glory with an 80-61 standing. Scheduled for Saturday, September 9, 2023, at 7:10 PM ET, the game will take place at Houston’s Minute Maid Park and will be televised on MLBN.
The San Diego Padres haven’t had the best of seasons. With a batting average of .240 and 637 runs scored, their offensive numbers are fairly modest. Their on-base percentage (.326) and slugging percentage (.41) reinforce this narrative. However, their pitching has been comparatively better, holding a 3.81 ERA and a 1.28 WHIP. They have managed to rack up 1246 strikeouts while allowing an opponent batting average of .239.
The Houston Astros have had a much better campaign with an 80-61 record. Their .260 batting average, complemented by 729 runs and 196 home runs, provides them an offensive edge. They also hold a .333 on-base percentage and a .437 slugging percentage. On the pitching front, their 3.92 ERA and 1.29 WHIP are slightly worse than the Padres, but they have performed well with 1265 strikeouts and a .244 opponent batting average. Check out our free winning baseball picks for more insights.
San Diego Padres vs. Houston Astros Game Info
| When: | Saturday, September 9, 2023 at 7:10 PM ET |
|---|---|
| Where: | Minute Maid Park |
| TV: | MLBN |
| Stream: | MLB.TV |
Seth Lugo (6-6, 3.49 ERA) vs. Cristian Javier (9-3, 4.65 ERA)
For the Padres, Seth Lugo takes the mound with a 6-6 W-L record, 3.49 ERA, and a 1.2 WHIP across 121.1 innings. With 117 strikeouts and 27 walks, he’s shown commendable control and has been one of the Padres’ more reliable arms. His 15 home runs allowed may be a point of concern but are countered by his overall strong performance.
Cristian Javier for the Astros sports a 9-3 W-L record but a higher 4.65 ERA and a 1.28 WHIP over 137.1 innings. His strikeout-to-walk ratio is slightly worse, with 127 strikeouts and 51 walks. Javier has also been prone to giving up the long ball, with 22 home runs against him. It’s a matchup that seemingly favors Lugo, given his lower ERA and better control, despite Javier’s superior win-loss record.
MLB Odds/Point Spread: Houston Astros -130, Total Odds: 9
The Padres come in at a Spread of +1.5 (-164), Moneyline at +120, and a total of 9 o (-105). The Astros are at a Spread of -1.5 (+133), Moneyline at -130, and a total of 9 u (-115).
San Diego Padres Betting Trends
San Diego has seen the total go UNDER in 4 of their last 5 games, which aligns well with their strong pitching numbers. They are 4-2 SU in their last six games and 7-2 SU in their last 9 games against Houston. However, they’ve struggled on the road, going 1-7 SU in their last 8 away games. When facing American League teams, the total has often gone UNDER for San Diego.
Houston Astros Betting Trends
Houston’s recent form shows an 8-3 SU in their last 11 games, but they’re surprisingly 0-5 SU in their last 5 games at home. The total has gone OVER in 4 of their last 5 games, yet it goes UNDER more often when facing National League West Division teams. Their 7-2 SU record against National League opponents suggests they perform well against inter-league competition.
San Diego Padres vs. Houston Astros 9/9/23 Betting Picks
In an intriguing matchup between the San Diego Padres and the Houston Astros, several factors are at play that make this game less predictable than season records might suggest. Despite the Padres’ Seth Lugo having a slight pitching advantage over the Astros’ Cristian Javier, Houston’s powerful batting lineup, superior season stats, and overall performance give them a definitive edge. Although San Diego has been successful against Houston recently, they’ve struggled on the road, a factor that can’t be overlooked. Houston, while experiencing recent home struggles, has been strong overall and performs well against National League opponents. Weighing these variables, including team trends and odds, the Astros appear better positioned to capitalize on this game. Their stronger batting and overall season performance should give them the edge they need to overcome a Padres team that, while capable, has shown inconsistencies. For more insights, check out our free expert sports picks today.
Free Pick and Prediction: Houston Astros will win 5-3.