Houston has rattled off 7 wins in a row heading into the May 10th Astros at Twins betting matchup. Pitching has been a very strong point for Houston during this stretch, as they’ve allowed 8 total runs over this span and have three shutouts.
Minnesota is up against it vs a red hot team on Tuesday, but the Twins welcome the challenge as they’ve won 9 straight of their own at Target Field. The major reasons that Houston is a -140 road favorite in this matchup is because a) Justin Verlander is on the mound and b) the status of Carlos Correa (finger) and Byron Buxton (hip) of Minnesota are both in doubt.
Astros Very Impressive Lately
Houston is doing it in every aspect during their 7-game win streak. Their pitching staff has allowed more than 2 runs just once in the last 9 games, while the offense has averaged 4 runs/game in each of the 7 victories.
Jose Altuve has been on an absolute tear lately going 8 for his last 16 with a 1.454 OPS over the past week. Altuve also has a career .365 batting average in 24 games at Target Field. Some of that familiarity with the ballpark should come in handy considering Niko Goodrum is the only batter on the Houston roster that has ever faced Twins starter Joe Ryan (Goodrum is also 2-2 vs. Ryan).
Verlander (3-1, 1.93 ERA) has shown no ill effects of making just 1 start over the last 2 seasons, allowing 2 ER or less in 4 of his 5 starts. Verlander has been nearly unhittable in his three road starts, going 2-1 but with a 0.90 ERA.
Twins Home Streak in Jeopardy
Minnesota has won 9 home tilts in a row and just completed a three game sweep of the A’s over the weekend. Each of those contests vs. Oakland was close, with the Twins holding a 7-4 run margin in the series so Minnesota will have to be better vs. red hot Houston.
It’s unknown if Correa will be in the lineup to face his former team in any of the next three days. Correa was heating up with 14 hits in 7 games prior to bruising his finger on May 5th. Correa is doubtful as is Buxton, who rested a strained hip in Sunday’s 4-3 win over the A’s. Luis Arraez (COVID protocols) and Miguel Sano (knee) are also among the Minnesota players who are unavailable Tuesday.
Ryan (3-1, 1.63 ERA) makes his first career start vs. Houston in the May 10th Astros at Twins betting meeting. The 2nd year Ryan has been great this season, suffering his only loss in the first start despite allowing just 2 ER and giving up 3 ER total over his past four.
Free May 10th Astros at Twins Betting Pick
Something’s got to give when the Astros put their 7-game win streak overall on the line against a Twins squad that has won 9 in a row at Target Field. The run total for this game opened up at just 6.5 (up to 7) so it’s an expected pitcher’s duel, with 59% of the public liking the Astros behind Verlander.
Verlander has been great and so has Ryan, and although Houston is winning they aren’t exploding offensively. The Twins offense likewise takes a hit with possibly no Correa or Buxton. Playing for the 2-1 or 3-2 game seems to be the only way to go here.
Free Pick: Under 7
