Jess Root
June 21, 2024 11:49 am ET
The Baltimore Orioles (49-25) and Houston Astros (35-40) open a 3-game set Friday. First pitch from Minute Maid Park is at 8:10 p.m. ET. Let’s analyze BetMGM Sportsbook’s lines around the Orioles vs. Astros odds and make our expert MLB picks and predictions for the best bets.
Season series: First meeting; split last season 3-3
The Orioles have won 4 of 5, including 2 straight, and are 10-3 in their last 13 games. After losing the series opener against the Yankees to start their current 6-game road trip, they won the final two, including a 17-5 victory Thursday to pick up the series win.
The Astros won the final 2 games of their road series against the Chicago White Sox, taking the finale 5-3 Thursday. They are 5-5 in their last 10 games.
Orioles at Astros projected starters
RHP Grayson Rodriguez vs. RHP Jake Bloss
Rodriguez (8-2, 3.20 ERA) makes his 13th start. He has a 1.22 WHIP, 2.9 BB/9 and 9.9 K/9 in 70 1/3 innings.
- Last start: Win, 7 IP, 2 ER, 7 H, 1 BB, 6 K in 6-2 home victory over Philadelphia Phillies Saturday
- Has allowed 2 or fewer runs in 3 straight outings and 6 of his last 7 starts
Bloss makes his MLB debut. The 22-year-old was selected in the 3rd round out of Georgetown in 2023.
- 2024 stats with Double-A Corpus Christi: 3-1, 1.61 ERA (44 2/3 IP, 8 ER), 0.72 WHIP, 7.1 K/9 in 8 starts
- Last start with Double-A Corpus Christi: Win, 6 1/3 IP, 0 R, 0 H, 3 BB, 6 K in 3-0 victory at San Antonio Missions Saturday
Who’s going yard? Here’s a breakdown of today’s best home run props with our top picks.Include the BetMGM bonus code SBWIRE to score a $1,500 first-bet offer.
Orioles at Astros odds
Provided by BetMGM Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list. Lines last updated at 11:49 a.m. ET.
- Moneyline (ML): Orioles -165 (bet $165 to win $100) | Astros +140 (bet $100 to win $140)
- Run line (RL)/Against the spread (ATS): Orioles -1.5 (+100) | Astros +1.5 (-120)
- Over/Under (O/U): 9 (O: +100 | U: -120)
Orioles at Astros picks and predictions
Prediction
Orioles 6, Astros 2
Moneyline
The Orioles (-165) are 24-11 on the road this season, and the Astros are only 19-19 at home. Baltimore is 9-3 when Rodriguez pitches and 3-0 in his starts in June. It has not allowed more than 2 runs in his starts in June.
The Astros are 8-21 against teams with winning records and have a rookie making his MLB debut on the mound.
Expect a Baltimore win, but you get better odds on the run line than the moneyline.
PASS.
Run line/Against the spread
All 9 of the Orioles’ wins with Rodriguez starting have been by 2 or more runs. Of their last 22 wins, 21 have been by more than 1 run. They are a league-best 24-11 ATS on the road.
The Astros are 17-21 ATS at home. Six of their last 8 losses have been by 2 or more runs.
BET ORIOLES -1.5 (+100).
Over/Under
The Astros’ last 4 games, 8 of their last 9, and 11 of their last 13 have not reached 9 total runs.
Six of the Orioles’ last 10 games have had 8 or fewer total runs.
BET UNDER 9 (-120).
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