Oakland Athletics (44-99) vs. Houston Astros (82-62)
Oakland Athletics vs. Houston Astros 9/11/2023 – Major League Baseball’s postseason run will pit Houston Astros against Oakland Athletics against each other on September 11, 2023 at 8:10 PM ET in an American League West showdown at Minute Maid Park that could feature either team on vastly differing paths. While Oakland (44-99) are seemingly out of postseason contention while Houston (84-62) have fine-tuned their roster for an exciting playoff run – making this game sure to be a spectacle!
Oakland Athletics have had a dismal season so far, holding a 44-99 record and posting a subpar batting average (0.225), 527 runs scored, and an ERA rating of 5.61. They have struggled to gain ground this year despite hitting 151 homers; these failed hits fail to translate to meaningful runs, showing weaknesses both offensively and defensively in both strategies.
On the flipside, the Houston Astros have proven why they are among the premier contenders in the American League. Boasting an 82-62 record and boasting an impressive 0.261 batting average with over 750 runs scored so far; plus their pitching staff boasting an outstanding 3.97 ERA with an even lower WHIP of 1.29 making them a well-rounded team ready for postseason action. For free MLB picks, their performance speaks volumes.
Oakland Athletics vs. Houston Astros Game Info
| When: | Monday, September 11, 2023 at 8:10 PM ET |
|---|---|
| Where: | Minute Maid Park |
| TV: | FS1 |
| Stream: | MLB.TV |
Mason Miller (0-2, 3.09 ERA) vs. Framber Valdez (11-9, 3.30 ERA)
Rookie Mason Miller will take the mound for Oakland Athletics today and his ERA of 3.09 and WHIP of 0.9 should enthuse confidence. Miller has only pitched 23.1 innings so far; thus giving opposing teams little opportunity to figure him out yet. However, his excellent performance thus far allows only 14 hits and 7 walks while striking out 25 times; suggesting he may become an emerging star at Oakland. Miller’s ability to limit homers (he has allowed only one thus far) will prove key against Houston’s aggressive offense.
Framber Valdez will lead Houston on the mound and his numbers make for compelling evidence of his effectiveness as a reliable starter for them. With an 11-9 win-loss record and an outstanding 3.3 ERA in 174.2 innings pitched, Valdez has demonstrated his worth as a reliable starting pitcher with his 1.11 WHIP rate, 168 strikeouts, 47 walks allowed and 16 homers given up during those innings pitched (though these figures could change). Valdez boasts the experience and stats necessary for leading them confidently, while his arsenal dominated by groundball-inducing sinkers may present formidable opposition in terms of an Athletics lineup that has struggled this season.
MLB Odds/Point Spread: Houston Astros -285, Total Odds: 8.5
Houston Astros’ betting odds favor them heavily for good reason, with the Astros sitting at -1.5 (-136) against the spread and Moneyline of -285; as well as having an expected Total Under of 8.5 Under at -115. Meanwhile, Oakland Athletics can be found listed as +1.5 (+116), Moneyline +250 and Total of 8.5 Over at -105 respectively.
Oakland Athletics Betting Trends
Oakland’s recent games have featured five total-go-over results, yet despite its struggles they have managed to finish 2-4 SU in six games and have suffered a devastating 1-10 record against Houston since they have first faced each other at Minute Maid Park – suggesting this environment may not be conducive to their play.
Houston Astros Betting Trends
The Houston Astros have been unrivaled when it comes to betting trends. Over 6 of their last 6 games and they hold an impressive 5-1 SU mark during that span. When facing off against Oakland specifically, 7 out of their last 10 total UNDER games went under in total while they posted an amazing 9-1 record against them as hosts in those same 10 contests!
Oakland Athletics vs. Houston Astros 9/11/2023 Betting Picks
Based on team stats, current form, and the matchup of starting pitchers, the Houston Astros appear to be clear favorites against Oakland. Betting trends further highlight their likely viability; particularly their 9-1 home record when hosting Oakland.
Those seeking a safe bet should consider selecting Houston Astros on the Moneyline. For those wanting an additional layer of risk, their current spread of -1.5 might also make an appealing bet, given their overall performance and strong trends. Going over at 8.5 may present greater danger due to Oakland’s lesser offensive capabilities, but Houston tends to contribute high-scoring games, so this should still be considered an option. For free sports picks, these strategies are worth considering.
Free Pick and Prediction: Houston Astros 6, Oakland Athletics 2.