Philadelphia Phillies vs. Houston Astros Picks, Predictions, Odds

Philadelphia Phillies vs. Houston Astros Betting Analysis

The Philadelphia Phillies and the Houston Astros play the second of a three-game series on Tuesday, October 4, 2022 at the Minute Maid Park.

The Phillies are placed third in the National League East with a record of 87-73 overall and 40-39 on the road, which trails the division leading Atlanta Braves by 13 games. The Astros are in first place in the National League West with a record of 104-56, highlighted by a sturdy 53-26 record at home.

Philadelphia Phillies vs. Houston Astros Betting Prediction

With a win over the Astros on Monday night the Phillies have officially clinched the final Wild Card berth in the National League. Philadelphia has now won three straight games but have won just four of their last 10. The offense has been productive throughout the season for Philadelphia with a batting average of .255 (7th), on base percentage of .318 (7th), slugging percentage of .420 (7th) and have scored 745 total runs (7th). The bullpen was great on Monday night, allowing zero runs, but have been a bit up and down this season with a WHIP of 1.25 (13th) and team ERA of 3.93 (17th). The southpaw Ranger Suarez (10-6, 3.37 ERA) is scheduled to start on Tuesday.  

Houston could not get much going Monday night in their 3-0 loss to the Phillies, but no big deal as the Astros have already clinched their division and the best record in the American League. Following Tuesday’s loss, the Astros are now 5-5 SU over their last 10 games. While the offense has been a bit down over that stretch, they have been playing extremely well this season with a batting average of .246 (13th), on base percentage of .318 (9th), slugging percentage of .420 (7th) and have scored 724 runs (8th). The bullpen has been even better than the offense with a WHIP of 1.10 (2nd) and team ERA of 2.92 (2nd). Right-handed pitcher Justin Verlander (`7-4, 1.80 ERA) is expected to start Tuesday.  

Both teams have nothing to lose in this matchup as both have secured a spot in the playoffs. I like the under in game-two of this series. Verlander should do a nice job keeping the Phillies bats at bay and the Astros offense have scored just five runs over their last three games. Backing the under here as I could see either team winning this one.  

Score Prediction: Astros 4, Phillies 2
Best Bet: Under 7 (-110)

Philadelphia Phillies vs. Houston Astros Betting Odds

Philadelphia Phillies vs. Houston Astros Betting Resources

• Date: Tuesday, October 4, 2022
• Matchup: NL East vs. NL West
• Venue: Minute Maid Park
• Location: Houston, Texas
• Time-TV: 8:10 p.m. ET – MLB.tv
• Expert Picks

Philadelphia Phillies vs. Houston Astros – Current Form

The Phillies lost against the Cubs last Thursday 3-0, but climbed back up by winning against the Nationals last Sunday. Their worst game was on Thursday, when the Philadelphia Phillies failed to score a single run against the Chicago Cubs in the third contest of a three-game series. The Astros and the Arizona Diamondbacks split their series on Wednesday, but grabbed two of three games last Sunday against the Rays. Houston allowed only one run on Saturday in the second of three contests against the Rays.

Philadelphia Phillies vs. Houston Astros – Pitching Matchup

Philadelphia: Ranger Suárez (10-6, 3.37 ERA)

Ranger Suárez takes the mound in the second game of a three-game series as he makes his 28th start of the season for the Phillies in this contest. He comes in 10-6 with a 3.37 ERA, a 1.30 WHIP, 56 walks and 127 strikeouts over 152.1 innings of work on the year. The 27-year-old left-hander couldn’t lift the Phillies to win on the road over the Chicago Cubs on September 29, 2022. In his losing start, Suárez tossed six innings in the 2-0 defeat by the Chicago Cubs, while giving up two runs on seven hits with five strikeouts and one walk. Pitching on the road this season, Suárez is 6-2 with a 2.69 ERA, a 1.14 WHIP, 28 walks and 75 strikeouts over 87 innings in 15 starts.

Houston: Justin Verlander (17-4, 1.80 ERA)

Houston’ right-hander Justin Verlander takes the mound for his 27th start of the season. Verlander looks to improve on a 17-4 record and 1.80 ERA in 170 innings, while striking out 175, walking 28 batters, and posting a 0.85 WHIP. Verlander is 9-1 with a 1.74 ERA across 15 home starts this season, which includes 11 walks, 99 strikeouts, and a 0.92 WHIP over 83 innings of action.

Philadelphia Phillies vs. Houston Astros – Series History

Houston went 2-1 overall in the 2017 head-to-head meetings. The Phillies continued their dominance of the Astros this season by claiming a first win in one matchup.