A thrilling contest in the world of MLB has arrived as the Arizona Diamondbacks (79-63) will go against the Houston Astros (76-65) on Saturday, September 07, 2024. And while analyzing such a game, considering its repercussions on the playoffs standings and the regular season standings is about to start, is indispensable. The purpose of this analysis is to look inside as one takes an undertaking of the Handicapper game reviews of Minute Maid Park.
Diamondbacks vs. Astros 9/7/24 Game Info and Odds |
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| When: | Saturday, September 7, 2024 at 4:10 PM ET |
| Where: | Minute Maid Park |
| Watch: | MLBN, ARID, MLB.TV |
| Diamondbacks odds: | +135 Moneyline |
| Astros odds: | -161 Moneyline |
| Total Line: | 8 |
Diamondbacks (79-63) vs. Astros (76-65)
The past few matches for the Diamondbacks were of further convincing nature, as they are still figuring out their right play going into the playoffs. They have a decent average of .261 with an impressive slugging average of .433, which are potential threats in the future, but the results of the latest games are a cause to worry. Out of the last five games played by Arizona, it has won two against the Giants, which were tough for the team.
| Arizona Diamondbacks Last 5 Games | |||
| Date | Opponent | Score | SU |
| Sep 6, 2024 | HOU | 0-8 | Lose |
| Sep 5, 2024 | SF | 2-3 | Lose |
| Sep 4, 2024 | SF | 6-4 | Win |
| Sep 3, 2024 | SF | 8-7 | Win |
| Sep 2, 2024 | LA | 6-11 | Lose |
On the other hand, the Astros have shown the ability to fight back at home, winning their last five home games without a loss in regular time. The team’s general performance which has a good indication of a 3.67 ERA and minimal opponent batting average makes them a tough team. They have lost some games in the Cincinnati series and despite that, the team was able to win over the Diamondbacks the night before (8-0) therefore it seems that they are the better team in Minute Maid Park.
| Houston Astros Last 5 Games | |||
| Date | Opponent | Score | SU |
| Sep 6, 2024 | ARI | 8-0 | Win |
| Sep 5, 2024 | CIN | 0-1 | Lose |
| Sep 4, 2024 | CIN | 5-12 | Lose |
| Sep 3, 2024 | CIN | 3-5 | Lose |
| Sep 2, 2024 | KC | 7-2 | Win |
Eduardo Rodriguez (2-1, 5.33 ERA) vs. Yusei Kikuchi (7-9, 4.24 ERA)
Eduardo Rodriguez plays for the Diamondbacks, and although he has a higher earned run average of 5.33, no one can take it away from him that he possesses a fighting spirit. He has had a mixed bag of performances in his latest games, sometimes looking good stuffing the score sheet but their share of concerns linger with him having 28 Ks with an innings pitched of 25.1. How well Rodriguez can handle the Astros’ batters who have smashed 167 home runs this year so far will be vital in Arizona’s prospects.
On the other hand, Yusei Kikuchi for the Astros offers a 4.24 earned run average as well as a general average strikeout rate during the regular season at 177 over 150.2 games played. Faced with Kikuchi’s consistency, along with the fact that he has only allowed 148 hits in spite of the bulging inning count, would leave no doubt that in this matchup, Kikuchi stands a better chance of coming out on top, considering the current urgency in the playoff push.
MLB Odds/Point Spread: Astros -1.5 (+138), Total Odds: 8
The Astros are favored with a spread of -1.5 at +138, suggesting a close game. The total is set at 8, reflecting expectations of moderate scoring, aligning with both teams’ recent performances. Consider the Over for potential value.
Diamondbacks Betting Trends
Arizona’s recent trend towards high-scoring games, with the total going OVER in 7 of their last 8, is an indicator of their offensive capabilities and also their pitching struggles. This trend is particularly pronounced in games against Houston and on the road, setting up expectations for another potentially high-scoring affair.
Astros Betting Trends
Houston’s trends show a strong preference for their home turf outcomes, with a significant OVER trend in matchups against Arizona at Minute Maid Park. However, their struggles against National League teams, especially from the West, suggest some vulnerabilities that the Diamondbacks might exploit.
Diamondbacks vs. Astros 9/7/24 Betting Picks
Based on what we have seen lately and the home team advantage, we favor the Astros in this game. However, the Diamondbacks’ recent offensive displays appease this need while the vulnerability of the Astros pitchers towards NL West adversaries encourages betting on the Diamondbacks to cover the spread. The total going OVER 8 also seems plausible given the recent scores of both teams and the runs allowed by the pitchers.
Top MLB picks today tend to stay away from the total and, if anything, lean towards the Overlooking at all the the high-score trends. As for the prop bets, we should have a look at Kikuchi’s strikeout prop since, from the way he played all season, he should be able to perform more than what is required from him against the Diamondbacks’ bats.