The Houston Astros keep hanging around in their AL West battle with the Texas Rangers. Arguably, the same can be said about the Miami Marlins as they try and pursue an NL Wildcard spot. We look at the Astros facing the Marlins on Wednesday night. Now, Houston has won seven of their past 11 games. However, Miami is at home where they seem to hold an advantage. VegasBetting explores some Astros vs Marlins Betting Picks.
The Marlins are a team to watch as they battle the Phillies and others for wildcard spots.
Honestly, can Miami keep staying in the playoff race? Miami was mostly an afterthought at the start of the season. Teams like Atlanta and New York are expected to battle for the division’s top along with maybe Philadelphia. Both Philadelphia and Miami started a little slow but are now in quite the battle. With 41 games left, expect things to go down to the very last at-bats in September.
When it comes to splits, Miami gets a boost because of the magic that has become LoanDepot Park. The Marlins remain double-digits above .500 at home with a winning percentage around .625. Conversely, Houston is slightly better on the road compare to at home (35-26 at press time). Temperatures figure to be in the 80s with the usual thick South Florida air. The wind should be mostly calm. MLB Online Betting Odds are enamored with this tilt.
These two teams feature somewhat of a contrast in styles. Yet, while Houston still scores 4.8 per game, Miami barely scrapes by scoring just over four runs a contest. It is something that hampers Miami a bit from going on hotter stretches. However, they have averaged almost 4.5 runs at home since June 1st. Their pitching and defense have helped yield 3.95 runs per game during that span.
Wagerers looking for plus money from the BetOnline online Sportsbook review were disappointed by the moneyline at only +110 for Miami. However, the low Over/Under at 7 1/2 is interesting. Do people and experts truly believe these two teams would combine for only seven runs? The Over comes in at -120 which is not bad, and some other sites have upped the number to 8.0 or even 8.5.
Alright, the Astros vs Marlins Betting Picks knows to expect stick weather for Wednesday night. Okay, no magic cold front is coming through as it did in Atlanta on Tuesday. Variable clouds are expected as the temperatures drop through the 80s by the end of the contest. Do not worry about raindrops here but expect Houston and Miami to work up quite a sweat. Both teams have a lot to play for.
The hope was the pitching matchup might give a little more value regarding the moneyline. Although Jesús Luzardo has better stuff at this stage of his career, he is struggling compared to Justin Verlander. Verlander has allowed five earned runs in 13 innings during this second tour of Houston. Luzardo has allowed 15 runs in that time. However, he did have that start against Colorado where he struck out 13 batters.
Astros at Marlins
— Sean Basile (@SeanBazz12) August 16, 2023
Justin Verlander: (12 IP/3 ER at loanDepot) (2-3/4.11 ERA on road) (4-2/2.41 ERA last 6 starts) (5-4/3.58 ERA at night)
Jesus Luzardo: (1-1/4.35 ERA vs. HOU) (4-3/3.31 ERA at home) (0-2/6.66 ERA last 5 starts) (5-3/3.54 ERA at night)
Numbers appear to help Houston more and more in this matchup. Even though the Astros can play well on the road, they struggle against left-handed pitching from time to time. Luzardo has endured some bad luck over the last five starts. His night numbers are encouraging. Again, it may be tough to try and wait out better numbers. However, the plus-money for Miami’s moneyline is guaranteed at this point.
So, can both pitchers keep the runs down enough on Wednesday night? The answer looks to be no. Miami could score a few more runs on Verlander than usual, and Houston can put together their version of “smaller ball” as well. No one would be surprised by a 5-4 contest on Wednesday night. The feeling is that Miami’s ability to hit better (third in the MLB) may carry the night.
With warm conditions and pitchers trying to find better form. The belief is to attack the over and more in the Astros vs Marlins Betting Picks. With some books staying around -120 on the lower Over of 7.5, the spread becomes useless if one bet Miami (-155 to -165 at +1.5 runs). The likelihood of seeing enough runs to come close to double digits could prove intriguing if one wants to swing at an alternate Over of 8.5 at +105.
Again, the Marlins are that team who can pull off some amazing victories at home. Just ask the Yankees how that went over the weekend. It is another reason we can wager on the Over and even the alternate Over confidently. Both teams can score their share of runs. The question is always does it come together at the same time? Also, do the starters get into quality start territory or do they falter before then?
That Over between the two teams of 7.5 is a safer wager for Wednesday night. Stats keep trending slowly toward the Marlins winning by a run. This figures to be a moderate-scoring game with early and later scoring possible.
Online Betting MLB Vegas Sites like going back to the strikeout props. Simply, taking the Luzardo Over is one option to consider with the Verlander Under.
After all, if Luzardo gets to six innings, his 11.2 K/9 at home almost guarantees to cash this bet.
Summary
Chris Wassel AA, AAS CURRENTLY Sports Writer and Journalist RESIDES IN Rahway, NJ EDUCATION Union County College, Montclair State University EXPERTISE Business, Writing, Sports, Food, Grilling, Olympics, Injuries, Politics, and more Summary Member of FSWA, FSGA, and a variety of Sports Betting Groups. Works on injuries for a variety of sites. Edits articles from NASCAR to football and beyond. Occasionally runs sites like mynhltraderumor.com and Full Press Hockey/Bets. Does a podcast for Full Press Hockey and a few other sports too. Experience Chris Wassel has 20+ years of sports journalistic experience in various disciplines. His ability to play sports is well documented. Most people in the business just write. However, Chris will race cars and even a super Moto bike from time to time. There is that fitness and hiking/cycling aspect too. Chris has climbed mountains from Mount Washington to Mount San Jacinto in Palm Springs, California. For those that do not know. Chris also dabbles in food eating contests and challenges. Having a unique background with friends including Joey Chestnut and Casey Webb, Chris has the ability to eat a whole 16-pound turkey or a 32 inch meat lover's pizza. Since 2013, Chris does focus on things like fitness, fishing, and sports. One would be surprised that Chris runs, hikes, and rock climbs. There are even those occasional mini-triathlons. One truly can pack a lot in a small package. Chris can lift things over his body weight with ease. Also, if there is a NASCAR rain prop, Chris can tell you if there will be a Monday race. Throughout his career, Chris has worked at a wide range of places from Amazon to USA Today to a variety of rumors and fantasy sports sites. Finally, Chris has been nominated for quite a few awards from the Fantasy Sports Writers Association for Hockey Writer Of The Year. Also, there have been a number of high-stakes fantasy trophies and rings that Chris sports in his house. Education Chris received an Associates from Union Country College for business and accounting. Chris did sports journalism work at Montclair State University covering the hockey, baseball, and football teams. Quote from Chris Wassel "Shut up and play.”
Education
1999 Graduate of Union County College
1993 Graduate of Rahway High School
Professional Achievements
Media credentialed member of the New Jersey Devils since 2010
Covered several NHL Drafts including the one day event in Newark in 2013
Been on countless podcasts, TV shows, and more including Sportsnet and even NHL Network