Free Picks: Houston Astros vs. Oakland A’s

Patrick Trudeau
By: Patrick Trudeau
04/03/2021
MLB Free Picks – Best Bets of the Week
Astros vs Athletics Week 1
Houston Astros vs. Oakland A’s, MLB, Oakland Coliseum

Houston has been publicly criticized by opposing fans since their World Series incident. But in the early going of the 2021 season, the Astros have quieted the haters. Sunday afternoon, Oakland and Houston close out their opening week series. For this contest, I focus on the money line and which team will walk away from Sunday’s bout as the winner.

It's been an ugly start for the Oakland A's.

Preparing for an afternoon contest against the Houston Astros on Saturday, the A’s and ‘Stros will close out their opening week series and 4-game slate on Sunday.

Focusing on the final game of the series, both teams are deep into their pitching rotation to close this out.

Jose Urquidy is the projected starter for Houston. Urquidy missed significant time last season, but still caused damage. The right-hander finished the season with 5 starts and only a 2.73 ERA. He also held opposing hitters to two runs or fewer in all five starts.

Countering Houston is lefty Sean Manaea. He had a relatively high ERA last season at 4.50 in 11 starts. But there have been reports of an uptick in fastball velocity for Manaea, so we will see how much that impacts the outcome of this game.

I have been impressed with Houston’s offense right out of the gate. In two games this season, the Astros are mustering a ton of hits and seeing pitches well. I think Houston’s early success will help formulate this MLB prediction.

Jose Altuve, Michael Brantley, Yuli Gurrriel, and Alex Bregman have been swinging a hot bat to open the season – which is I am trending towards Houston for this contest.

I think the Astros straight up will be your best MLB bet for this game. The A’s are on their 4th starter and the Astros are swinging a hot bat. Yes, the Astros are also deep into their rotation, but I don’t think the Athletics offense is as powerful as Houston’s.

Even if Oakland manages to muster up a handful of runs, the Astros have enough players to combat any offense from the A’s. This could change with Oakland’s matinee against Houston on Saturday – but all signs are pointing to another Astros victory.

Pitching has been a gigantic problem for Oakland already. The A’s have allowed 17 runs in two games and have been rocked around RingCentral Coliseum.

Look for this trend to continue on Sunday.

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FREE PICK: Houston Astros Money Line
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Stats

  • Houston averages 8.5 runs per game.
  • Manaea is 1-2 in last 3 starts against Houston
  • The A’s average 4.20 runs per game against Houston in last 10.
  • Houston has won 3 straight games against Oakland.

have always wanted to be a writer and sports are my favorite thing in the world, so I combined the two to make a career. I have been a long-time gambler and sports betting writer that isn't afraid to look at the underdog or specials. I am covering the NHL, MLB and NCAA Football for BetPicks.ca and am a huge fan of both sports - as well as many others. Follow me on Twitter (@Patrick_Trudeau) so we can talk betting, sports, or why ketchup DOES belong on Poutine.

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TeamWLGB%
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Boston474014.5.540
Tampa Bay464015.0.535
Toronto454216.5.517
Baltimore434418.5.494

 

MLB - AL Central

TeamWLGB%
Minnesota48400.0.545
Cleveland42424.0.500
Chi White Sox41445.5.482
Detroit365111.5.414
Kansas City345213.0.395

 

MLB - AL West

TeamWLGB%
Houston56290.0.659
Seattle454212.0.517
Texas404415.5.476
LA Angels384919.0.437
Oakland295928.5.330

 

MLB - NL East

TeamWLGB%
NY Mets54330.0.621
Atlanta52362.5.591
Philadelphia46418.0.529
Miami414412.0.482
Washington305824.5.341

 

MLB - NL Central

TeamWLGB%
Milwaukee48390.0.552
St. Louis47422.0.528
Pittsburgh375011.0.425
Chi Cubs345213.5.395
Cincinnati325415.5.372

 

MLB - NL West

TeamWLGB%
LA Dodgers56290.0.659
San Diego50387.5.568
San Francisco434112.5.512
Arizona384818.5.442
Colorado384919.0.437

 

2021 Season Key Dates
Regular SeasonApril 1 – October 3
MLB DraftJuly 11-13
All-Star GameJuly 13
Trade DeadlineJuly 30
Playoffs BeginOctober 5
World SeriesOctober 26