Article: Astros vs. Padres Game Preview, Odds, and Predictions for September 18, 2024
The Houston Astros (81-69) and the San Diego Padres (86-65) square off for the second game of their three-game series at PETCO Park on September 18, 2024, at 6:40 PM ET. As both teams fight for postseason success, this matchup is a pivotal contest for the Padres, who are eyeing a Wild Card spot, while the Astros push to maintain their strong standing in the AL West.
Let’s break down the odds, predictions, and key matchups for this highly anticipated game.
Astros at Padres: Projected Starters
- Astros: RHP Hunter Brown (11-8, 3.59 ERA)
Brown will make his 29th start of the season. While his overall performance has been solid, he struggled in his last outing, giving up five earned runs in five innings against the Oakland A’s. However, prior to that game, Brown had allowed two or fewer earned runs in six consecutive starts. His record against the Padres isn’t stellar; in his only career start against San Diego, he posted a 12.46 ERA. - Padres: RHP Michael King (12-9, 3.06 ERA)
King has been impressive this season with a 1.21 WHIP and a strong 10.6 K/9 rate. Despite the Padres going 1-3 in his last four starts, King has delivered solid performances. In his previous start, King pitched five innings, allowing just one earned run. His history against the Astros is promising, with a 2.61 ERA in six career appearances.
Latest Odds:
- Moneyline:
Astros +100 | Padres -120 - Run Line:
Astros -1.5 (+170) | Padres +1.5 (-210) - Over/Under:
7.5 (Over +105 | Under -125)
Astros at Padres: Predictions
Score Prediction: Padres 4, Astros 2
While both teams are highly competitive, the Padres’ pitching staff has been on fire during their four-game winning streak, allowing only four runs over those four games. Michael King has been excellent at home, posting a 1.57 ERA over his last four starts at PETCO Park. The Padres’ recent dominance and their performance against the Astros give them the edge in this matchup.
Moneyline
- Pick: Padres (-120)
The Astros have been inconsistent, and with Hunter Brown’s struggles in his last start, the Padres are the safer pick. King’s performance at home, combined with the Padres’ strong pitching during their current win streak, should carry them to victory.
Run Line
- Pick: PASS
The Padres’ odds on the run line (-210) don’t offer much value. Historically, when San Diego covers the spread, it’s usually in outright wins, as seen in their last 39 covers. As such, betting on the Padres’ moneyline is a more favorable option.
Over/Under
- Pick: UNDER 7.5 (-125)
Both starting pitchers have been reliable, and recent trends suggest this will be a low-scoring game. The Padres have stayed under 8 runs in four of their last five games, and King’s last three starts have all gone under the total of 8. Considering the Astros’ recent run totals, the under is a smart play here.
FAQs
Q1: What are the latest odds for the Astros vs. Padres game on September 18?
The Astros are listed at +100 on the moneyline, while the Padres are the slight favorites at -120. The over/under is set at 7.5 runs, with odds of +105 for the over and -125 for the under.
Q2: Who are the starting pitchers for the Astros vs. Padres game?
Hunter Brown will start for the Astros, coming in with a 3.59 ERA, while Michael King takes the mound for the Padres with a 3.06 ERA. Both pitchers have shown strong performances, although Brown struggled in his last start.
Q3: What’s the prediction for the final score?
Experts are predicting a tight game, with a final score of Padres 4, Astros 2. Given the Padres’ recent form and pitching prowess, they are favored to win.
Q4: Should I bet the over or under on total runs?
The recommendation is to bet the under 7.5 (-125), as both teams have shown recent trends toward lower-scoring games, and both starting pitchers are capable of limiting runs.
Q5: Where can I watch the Astros vs. Padres game?
You can catch the game live on TruTV or via streaming platforms like FuboTV.
