The 2023 MLB Playoffs continue to roll right along this week, and there is a massive game set to take place on Tuesday afternoon. The Houston Astros visit the Minnesota Twins for Game 3 of the ALDS, and that series is tied up at one win a piece.
Houston entered the playoffs as the winner of the AL West Division this season, and that gave them a bye in the first round. The Astros were able to win Game 1 of this series, but a loss in Game 2 gave away home-field advantage.
Minnesota was the AL Central Division championship this season, and then they had to deal with the Toronto Blue Jays in the Wild Card series. The Twins were able to sweep Toronto out of the playoffs and then stole Game 2 on the road in this matchup.
The Twins are the moneyline betting favorites at -135 in Game 3 of this ALDS series on Tuesday afternoon.
Astros Need to Score
The Houston Astros scored just two runs in the Game 2 loss, and this offense has been known to go through some slumps this season. Houston can’t afford to have another rough game at the plate, and they need the big boppers to hit in this one.
Yordan Alvarez led the Astros with 31 home runs this season, and he has a history of coming up clutch in the playoffs. Jose Altuve led off this series with a home run for Houston, and more of that production is going to be needed.
Cristian Javier is set to start in this game, and he went 10-5 with a 4.56 ERA this season. Javier has the ability to be a great pitcher, but he now must prove it on the biggest stage.
Gray Going For Twins
The Minnesota Twins are going to send Sonny Gray to the mound in this game, and he went 8-8 with a 2.79 ERA during the regular season. Gray is a proven veteran in this league, and the Twins are counting on him to step up in this matchup.
Minnesota did have a team ERA of 3.87 this season, and that entire pitching staff has been tremendous this year. The Twins don’t have the talent to beat the Astros in a slugfest, and they need to keep the Astros off base.
Carlos Correa led the Twins with a .230 batting average this season, and he delivered a clutch hit in Game 2. Correa is known for showing up in the postseason, but he is going to need some help in this one.
Houston Bounces Back
Everything seems to be favoring the Twins heading into Game 3, but that is actually when the Astros are the most dangerous. This lineup is good enough to strike at any time, and they are going to put on a show at the plate in this game.
Sonny Gray has had a great season, but he isn’t going to be able to contain the Astros on Tuesday afternoon. The Twins don’t have an offense that can outscore the Astros, and that’s going to create some serious issues in this matchup.
Bet the Astros moneyline as they are able to take home-field advantage again as they take a 2-1 series lead with a win.
