MLB Game Preview: Athletics (42-62) vs. Houston Astros (60-42)

Daikin Park, Houston, TX
First Pitch: 8:10 PM ET
Broadcast: MLB Network, NBCS-CA, SCHN

Game Overview

The Houston Astros (60–42) host the Oakland Athletics (42–62) in an AL West divisional matchup that pits a playoff contender against a rebuilding squad. Houston enters the game on a four-game win streak and leads the division, while Oakland looks to avoid its third consecutive series loss.

This is the first game of a four-game set, and the Astros have dominated the season series, winning 6 of the last 10 meetings.

Probable Pitchers

Team	Pitcher	Record	ERA	WHIP	K/9
Astros	Jason Alexander	1–0	8.40	1.60	6.6
Athletics	Luis Severino	3–11	5.10	1.39	6.4

• Jason Alexander makes his second start of the season for Houston. He’s posted a 3.00 ERA against Oakland in six innings this year.
• Luis Severino has struggled, allowing 16 runs in his last three road starts. He’s 2–5 lifetime vs. Houston with a 4.52 ERA.

Key Players to Watch

Houston Astros

• Jeremy Peña – Batting .322, leads the team in average and OBP.
• Isaac Paredes – Team leader with 19 HR and 53 RBI.
• Jose Altuve – Veteran spark plug with 9 HR, 22 RBI, and a .263 average.

Athletics

• Brent Rooker – Power bat with 21 HR and a .468 SLG.
• Tyler Soderstrom – Leads the team with 57 RBI and 11 HR.
• Jacob Wilson – Batting .315 with a .387 OBP; consistent top-of-the-order threat.

Team Comparison

Category	Astros	Athletics
Batting Avg	.259 (2nd in MLB)	.248 (14th)
Runs/Game	4.4	4.2
Home Runs	115	134
ERA	3.59 (5th)	5.29 (29th)
WHIP	1.17 (2nd)	1.44 (28th)
OBP	.324	.315
Slugging %	.409	.419

Houston’s pitching dominance and contact hitting give them the edge, while Oakland’s power numbers keep them competitive.

• Astros are 26–15 when favored by -130 or more.
• Athletics are 23–41 as underdogs of +110 or longer.
• Prediction: Astros 6 – Athletics 3 (Over 8.5 runs)