The 2023 MLB season rages on as the Houston Astros and Baltimore Orioles are set to begin a three-game series on Tuesday, August 8. Both clubs are American League contenders that are expected to make some noise in the postseason, upping the stakes of tonight’s Astros vs Orioles showdown.
The Orioles have a pep in their step after sweeping the New York Mets in a three-game series at Camden Yards, outscoring the visitors 19-6 on aggregate. Meanwhile, the Astros’ road trip continues after splitting a four-game series with the New York Yankees.
Can the Astros win to close the gap in the AL West? Or will the Orioles prove that they can’t be stopped in Baltimore?
Here’s a look at everything you know heading into tonight’s Astros vs Orioles game, from the latest betting odds to a prediction with the best betting recommendation, courtesy of Betting News.
Houston Astros vs Baltimore Orioles Game Information and Betting Odds
Matchup Information
- Matchup: Houston Astros (64-49, 33-24 Away) vs. Baltimore Orioles (70-42, 35-21 Home)
- Venue & Location: Camden Yards (Baltimore, Maryland)
- Date: Tuesday, August 8, 2023
- Game Time: 7:05 p.m. Eastern Time
- Where to Watch Astros vs Orioles: MLB.TV
Astros vs Orioles Odds
Game odds as of Tuesday, August 8 at 10:30 a.m. ET from BetOnline. Odds from other sportsbooks may also be mentioned in this article.
Spread
- Houston Astros -1.5 (+133)
- Baltimore Orioles +1.5 (-153)
Over/Under
- Over 8.5 Runs (+105)
- Under 8.5 Runs (-125)
Moneyline
- Houston Astros -122
- Baltimore Orioles +112
Astros vs Orioles Starting Pitchers
- Astros: Framber Valdez (21 starts — 9-7, 3.07 ERA)
- Orioles: Grayson Rodriguez (14 starts — 2-3, 6.09 ERA)
Astros vs Orioles Betting Trends
- Houston is 5-2 straight up in its last seven games.
- Baltimore is 6-1 straight up in its last seven home games.
- The total has hit the under in seven of Houston’s last 10 road games.
- The total has hit the under in 10 of Baltimore’s last 13 games played in August.
- The total has hit the under in six of the last eight Houston-Baltimore matchups.
Astros vs Orioles Game Preview
The Orioles are heating up at the right time, riding into this matchup on a four-game winning streak. Their sweep of the Mets also improved their record to 6-1 in their last seven outings at Camden Yards.
Opposing teams haven’t been able to generate much offense during the O’s recent run in Baltimore. The Orioles have held their last seven opponents at Camden Yards to an average of just 3.1 runs while boasting a plus-2.6 average run margin along the way.
Having said that, Baltimore hasn’t had much recent luck at home against its upcoming opponent. Houston has won 15 of the last 20 Astros vs Orioles showdowns at Camden Yards, which includes averaging 8.1 runs in its last nine trips to Baltimore.
Now, the Astros have a juicy matchup lined up as Grayson Rodriguez gets the start for the Orioles. The former top prospect has struggled in his backyard throughout his rookie campaign, playing to a 1-2 record, 7.36 ERA, and 1.879 WHIP in seven previous home starts.
Meanwhile, the Orioles must deal with AL Cy Young candidate Framber Valdez (+400, No. 2 on BetOnline). The 29-year-old southpaw has been electric this season, going 9-7 with a 3.07 ERA while averaging 9.4 strikeouts per nine innings pitched.
As great as Valdez has been, it’s important to highlight that the Orioles are 26-12 against lefties this season. It also doesn’t help that he has a 5.87 ERA in two previous trips (7 2/3 innings) to Camden Yards.
Here’s a look at other impressive stats when it comes to the Orioles facing left-handed hurlers:
- Home runs: 35 (T-No. 11)
- Walks: 117 (T-No. 3)
- On-base percentage: .331 (T-No. 10)
Even with Valdez being one of the best pitchers in the Majors, it looks like he has a challenging day ahead of him.
Astros vs Orioles Prediction and Picks
Astros vs Orioles Prediction: Orioles 4, Astros 3
Astros vs Orioles Best Bet: Orioles +1.5 (Best Value: -153 on BetOnline ) & Under 8.5 Total Runs (-125 on BetOnline)
I’m taking the Orioles to win tonight. Not only have they played well at home, but their success against left-handed arms has me feeling confident that they can survive a run-in with Valdez. Given the southpaw's struggles at Camden Yards, there’s a good chance that he could have a rare off-night this evening.
I also won’t be surprised if this is a low-scoring affair, making the under on the 8.5-run total the way to go. The under is both 7-3 in Houston’s last 10 road games, as well as 10-3 in Baltimore’s 13 previous August matchups.
With the last eight Astros vs Orioles tilts also averaging 6.9 total runs, I don’t anticipate much offense tonight.