Houston Astros vs Cleveland Indians Free MLB Total Pick, 7–31–2019
Free MLB Pick by Brandon Donelly of ATSExperts.com
Houston Astros (68–39) vs Cleveland Indians (62–43)
Date: July 30, 2019
Game Time: 7:10 pm
MLB Odds: Astros -135 | Indians +115, O/U 8.5
The Houston Astros and Cleveland Indians will clash on Tuesday night for Game 1 of a three-game series at Progressive Field in Cleveland. The Astros and Indians are two of the hottest teams in baseball heading into this series. The Astros have won 11 of their last 17 games since the All-Star break and the Indians had their four-game winning streak snapped by the Royals in the final game of their weekend series, giving them just their third loss in their last 15 games.
Pitching Matchup
Houston Astros: Justin Verlander (13–4, 2.86 ERA)
Cleveland Indians: Shane Bieber (10–3, 3.44 ERA)
Houston maintains an 8 game lead in the AL West despite a surging Oakland Athletics team. The Astros are owners of one of the top records in MLB by boasting one of the top offenses and top defensive teams in MLB. The Houston Astros average 5.23 RPG, .270 team batting average, .823 OPS and 175 home runs, all ranking in the top 10 in MLB. Houston’s pitching has also been among the best in the league as the team is holding opponents to a .220 batting average, which is first in the league. Tonight’s starter, Justin Verlander, leads the team with 13 wins, 2.86 ERA and a 0.84 WHIP. Houston is 23–5 in Verlander’s last 28 road starts and the Under is 10–3 in Verlander’s last 13 starts vs. a team with a winning record.
Cleveland’s strong play since the All-Star break has allowed them to get back into the AL Central race, two games behind the division-leading Minnesota Twins. Shane Bieber has emerged as one of the top pitchers in baseball in just his second season. In his last start, Bieber gave up one hit and 0 runs in a complete game shut out, striking out 10 batters as he picked up his second complete game of the season. Cleveland’s pitching has been better than the team’s offense. Opponents have a .236 batting average against the Indians, which is fourth in the league. The Indians are 7–2 in Biebers last 9 home starts and the Under is 9–2–2 in Biebers last 13 starts vs. a team with a winning record.
This is a fantastic matchup with two potential Playoff teams taking the field on Tuesday night in Cleveland. The value of this matchup lies with taking the Under 8.5 with Verlander and Bieber on the mound. Both pitchers are at the top of their game and runs will come at a premium.
Astros vs Indians FREE Pick: UNDER 8.5
