The Houston Astros (75-63) and Cincinnati Reds (66-73) play the 2nd game of a 3-game set Wednesday. First pitch from Great American Ball Park is scheduled for 6:40 p.m. ET. Let’s analyze BetMGM Sportsbook’s lines around the Astros vs. Reds odds and make our expert MLB picks and predictions for the best bets.
Season series: Reds lead 1-0
The Astros snapped a 5-game winning streak with a 5-3 loss against the Reds Monday as -152 road favorites. C Yainer Diaz led the way on offense with 3 RBIs while SP Justin Verlander allowed 5 ER on 8 hits and 4 walks with 3 K’s in 4 2/3 innings to pick up the loss.
Cincinnati has won back-to-back games after Monday’s victory as a +140 home underdog. 3B Santiago Espinal drove in 2 runs, while RP Carson Spiers (2 1/3 IP, 1 ER, 3 H, 3 BB, 2 K) picked up the win.
Astros at Reds projected starters
RHP Spencer Arrighetti vs. RHP Nick Martinez
Arrighetti (7-11, 4.63 ERA) makes his 25th start. He has a 1.38 WHIP, 4.1 BB/9 and 10.9 K/9 through 124 1/3 innings.
Last start: Win, 7 2/3 IP, 0 ER, 2 H, 4 BB, 11 K in 10-0 victory at Philadelphia Phillies Aug. 28
Has never faced Reds
Martinez (6-6, 3.78 ERA) makes his 12th start and 38th appearance. He has a 1.13 WHIP, 1.2 BB/9 and 7.0 K/9 through 109 2/3 innings.
Last start: No-decision, 5 1/3 IP, 4 ER, 4 H, 1 BB, 3 K in 5-4 home loss against Milwaukee Brewers Friday
Career vs. Astros: 3-4, 4.13 ERA (52 1/3 IP, 24 ER), 1.40 WHIP, 5.3 K/9 in 13 appearances (8 starts)
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.
Astros at Reds odds
Provided by BetMGM Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list. Lines last updated at 9:55 a.m. ET.
Moneyline (ML): Astros -145 (bet $145 to win $100) | Reds +120 (bet $100 to win $120)
Run line (RL)/Against the spread (ATS): Astros -1.5 (+110) | Reds +1.5 (-135)
Over/Under (O/U): 9 (O: -105 | U: -115)
Astros at Reds picks and predictions
Prediction
Astros 4, Reds 3
Moneyline
PASS.
There is better value on the Reds’ run line.
Run line/Against the spread
BET REDS +1.5 (-135).
Cincinnati has scored 4 or more runs in 8 of its last 10 games, including 3 straight. It has allowed 5 or fewer runs in 4 of its last 5 games. With Martinez on the mound, the Reds should be able to limit scoring and keep this game close, although a win may not be as probable against an Astros team that is 5-1 in its last 6.
Over/Under
BET UNDER 9 (-115).
The Astros have allowed 3 or fewer runs in 8 of their last 10 games, including 5 of their last 6. The Under is 6-3-1 in their last 10 games and 3-1 in their last 4. Cincinnati has hit the Under in back-to-back games.
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