8/13 Houston Astros @ Tampa Bay Rays 6:50pm EST

Over 7.5 -112 (1u)

There are a few things to like about this matchup between the Astros and Rays. We just got this matchup on August 2nd as Kikuchi and Baz went at it on the mound. In this game, both teams were bad with runners LOB and RISP as they combined for 15 hits, 6 walks but only 5 runs. We get two pitchers pitchers who have not really shown their best stuff this year, and a low total, which fits our system very well.

In his last start, Baz faced the Cardinals, where he went 4.1 innings, allowing 4 runs on 6 hits. Against the Astros he went 5.1 allowing 2 runs on 6 hits. Kikuchi last started against the Rangers where he went 5.1 innings, allowing 2 runs on 4 hits. Yusei Kikuchi has allowed a homer in 3 straight starts and has given up 19 on the year in 24 starts. Kikuchi has been questionable this season and we think that the Rays will be able to get runners home today.

Given the struggles of both starting pitchers on the year and the ability of the Astros to garner hits and men on base, this is a game we feel that we must take the over on. We had the over on their last meeting 11 days ago, and were very close as it was a LOB extravaganza. Tonight we believe that to change as this game has good potential for runs.