Tampa Bay Rays vs. Houston Astros Pick 8/3/24 – On Saturday, August 3, 2024 in Houston at Minute Maid Park, Tampa Bay Rays (55-54) and Houston Astros (57-52) will come head-to-head in an anticipated match that promises an intense battle as both clubs seek victory in their respective divisions. Our exclusive premium handicappers’ insights provide comprehensive analysis on both teams as well as starter pitchers and betting odds so you can make smart investments with your funds when betting or investing your own funds in such matches.
Tampa Bay Rays vs. Houston Astros Pick 8/3/24 Game Info |
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| When: | Saturday, August 3, 2024 at 7:15 PM ET |
| Where: | Minute Maid Park |
| TV: | FOX |
| Stream: | MLB.TV |
Tampa Bay Rays (55-54) vs. Houston Astros (57-52)
Tampa Bay Rays enter this game with an overall record of 55-54 and have experienced mixed results this year. On offense, their stats include 432 runs scored from 842 hits; an on-base percentage of.312, an slugging percentage of.375, and an on-base/slugging ratio of 1.23; however their pitching staff has fared fairly well with 4.08 ERA/1.23 WHIP as well as 934 strikeouts against an opponents batting average of only.242; which indicates strong defensive efforts from them defensive efforts by them this team this year.
Houston Astros own a slightly better record at 57-52 and boast an offense that has produced 502 runs, 966 hits, and 123 homers – their batting average stands at.261, on-base percentage is.320 while their slugging percentage reaches 417! Furthermore, their pitching staff supports their offense with 4.02 ERAs, 1.3 WHIPs, and opponent average batting rates that total only 237 against each pitcher; 956 strikeouts demonstrate their formidable presence when facing opponents on opposing mound.
Zack Littell (4-7, 4.18 ERA) vs. Ronel Blanco (9-5, 2.95 ERA)
Zack Littell will start for the Tampa Bay Rays. Littell has endured an inconsistent campaign this year with 4-7 wins/losses record and 4.18 earned run average (ERA), surrendering 132 hits over 114 innings pitched while striking out 105 batters while walking 22; his 17 homers could present Houston with an opportunity. Littell excels at inducing ground balls while restricting walks but his tendency for giving up home runs could pose issues against their strong lineup.
Ronel Blanco will pitch for the Houston Astros. Blanco has been one of their standout pitchers this season, posting an outstanding 9-5 record with an outstanding 2.95 ERA over 119 innings pitched he allowed only 73 hits while striking out 114 batters while walking 46; although Blanco may have given up slightly more homers (18 in all compared with 16 for Littell), but their lower ERA and WHIP of 1 demonstrate greater efficiency on the mound; Blanco excels both with striking out batters while controlling; making him an effective matchup against any Ray hitters looking to score.
Littell and Blanco will likely play an instrumental role in deciding the game’s result, with Littell being challenged with shutting down Astros offense, while Blanco must maintain excellent form against Rays who aim to increase batting stats. Their pitching duel should prove decisive; both pitchers possessing significant power to influence play significantly.
MLB Odds/Point Spread: Houston Astros -1.5 (+136), Total Odds: 8
Reviewing current betting odds, Houston is currently favored with a -1.5 spread (+136), while total odds stand at 8 over -115. Given their stronger recent form and home field advantage, these odds might tilt in Houston’s favor; however, one should never rule out Tampa Bay from pulling an upset given their track record during August games.
Tampa Bay Rays Betting Trends
Tampa Bay’s last six games have all featured underscoring encounters, suggesting an overall trend toward lower scoring encounters. Unfortunately for them though, against Houston (particularly against Astros ) the Rays have struggled (4-10 against them SU overall in the last 14). On their travels away, however, Tampa Bay have experienced 5 OVER games over their previous seven but 10 UNDERs over the last 13 total. Furthermore they’re winless SU in 5 recent American League West Division opponents but have posted an 8-2 mark during August in those 10 games played!
Houston Astros Betting Trends
Houston’s betting trends also favor lower-scoring games, with 11 out of their 16 matches against Tampa Bay having totaled UNDER in terms of scoring total. At home, Houston is strong; their last 19 home games at Minute Maid Park yielded 14-5 wins for them overall and similar to Tampa Bay 10-13 outings have gone UNDER as the total has also come in below for Houston Rays games while 6 of 9 games between all American League opponents saw them go UNDER; it should also be noted that Houston boasts impressive 8-1 wins overall against American League East Division opponents.
Tampa Bay Rays vs. Houston Astros 8/3/24 Betting Picks
Analysis and betting trends point towards Houston Astros having an edge against Rays given their strong home record and recent wins against them; yet one should never discount possible unexpected victories during August; recent betting trends showing lower scoring games may make under 8 bets wise investments.
As part of your free baseball picks, targeting the Astros covering the spread and betting UNDER 8 can be an effective approach. Their recent form and superior batting statistics give the Astros an advantage, but Ray’s resilience should make this match one worth keeping an eye out for any unexpected events or upsets which might take place throughout it.