The Houston Astros visit the Athletics for an afternoon game at Sutter Health Park in West Sacramento, CA. The Astros hold a record of 84-74 and are second in the AL West, but they are currently struggling with a five-game losing streak. In contrast, the Athletics have found some momentum with two consecutive wins and a 7-3 record in their last 10 games.
The Astros are managed by Joe Espada, with Alex Cintron and Troy Snitker serving as hitting coaches, and Joshua Miller and Bill Murphy as pitching coaches. Despite being just five games behind in the AL West, the Astros have struggled on the road with a 38-39 record. Recent losses to the Athletics have not helped their cause, as they aim to turn things around.
The Athletics, led by manager Mark Kotsay, play at their home field, Sutter Health Park. With a record of 75-83, they sit fourth in the AL West but have a chance to finish the season on a high note. Their recent victories over the Astros, including a 6-0 win on September 24th, reflect their current form and potential to capitalize on the Astros’ recent struggles.
Athletics vs Astros At a Glance
- Game Location: Sutter Health Park in West Sacramento, CA.
- Weather Conditions: Overcast clouds with a light breeze expected.
- Astros Recent Form: Houston Astros are on a five-game losing streak, with a 4-6 record over the last 10 games.
- Athletics Momentum: The Athletics have won their last two games and have a 7-3 record over the past 10 games.
- Broadcast Details: The game will be televised on SCHN.
- Betting Odds: Astros are favored with a moneyline of -118; total over/under is set at 9.5 runs.
The Athletics Aim for Series Sweep Against the Astros
Astros’ Offensive Strength
The Houston Astros have displayed a solid offensive performance throughout the 2025 season. They hold a batting average of .253, ranking them 4th in the league. Their slugging percentage of .432 places them 5th, showcasing their ability to hit for power.
With 216 home runs, the Astros are tied for 5th in the league, a testament to their powerful lineup. Their ability to hit doubles, with 287 total, ranks them 2nd, further emphasizing their extra-base hitting prowess.
Astros’ Key Hitters
Key contributors in the Astros’ lineup include players known for their consistent hitting and power. Each player has contributed to the team’s strong offensive metrics, making them a formidable opponent at the plate.
The Astros’ hitters have also been patient at the plate, accumulating 489 walks. This discipline helps improve their on-base percentage and creates more scoring opportunities.
Astros’ Pitching Concerns
On the mound, the Astros have faced challenges with their pitching staff. Their team ERA of 4.67 ranks 26th, indicating struggles in limiting opposing teams’ scoring.
The Astros’ pitchers have allowed a batting average against of .251, placing them 15th in the league. They have given up 217 home runs, which ranks 26th, highlighting a need to improve their control and reduce long-ball damage.
Astros’ Starting Pitcher
Framber Valdez takes the mound for the Astros, bringing an ERA of 3.75 and a WHIP of 1.24. With a win-loss record of 12-11, Valdez aims to provide a strong start and help the Astros avoid a series sweep.
Valdez’s ability to generate ground balls will be crucial against an Athletics lineup known for its power. His performance will be key in determining the outcome of the game.
Astros Betting Trends
- SU in Away Games: 40-41 (49.4%)
- Runline in Away Games: 47-34 (58.0%)
- O/U in Away Games: 37-44 (45.7%)
Astros Aim to Bounce Back Against the Athletics: A Closer Look
Team Overview
The Houston Astros are set to play the Athletics in an away game, looking to improve upon their recent performances. Currently, their batting average stands at .250, ranking 7th in the league, showcasing their solid hitting capabilities.
Despite ranking 16th in slugging percentage, the Astros have been able to produce 172 home runs this season. With a batting average against of .232, their pitching staff has been effective, holding opponents to limited success at the plate.
Key Players to Watch
Jeremy Peña, with a .304 batting average, has been a consistent performer for the Astros. His ability to get on base, coupled with his 17 home runs, makes him a key asset in the lineup.
Christian Walker leads the team in home runs with 23 and has 82 RBIs to his name. Although his batting average is .234, his power at the plate remains a significant threat to any opposing pitcher.
Carlos Correa continues to be a reliable player with a .274 average and 13 home runs. His presence in the lineup is crucial, offering stability and experience.
Recent Performance and Trends
The Astros have struggled in their last few games, losing five straight. Their last three games saw them unable to secure a win, impacting their overall record and momentum.
In terms of betting trends, the Astros have a straight-up record of 84-74, indicating a fairly even season. They have performed better as underdogs with a 32-27 record compared to being favorites.
Betting Trends
- SU Last 3 Games: 0-3 (0.0%)
- SU Last 5 Games: 0-5 (0.0%)
- SU Last 10 Games: 4-6 (40.0%)
- SU All Games: 84-74 (53.2%)
- SU as Favorite: 52-47 (52.5%)
- SU as Underdog: 32-27 (54.2%)
Pitching Preview
Framber Valdez will take the mound for the Astros, with an ERA of 3.75 and a 12-11 win-loss record. His consistency on the mound will be crucial in keeping the Athletics’ offense at bay.
Valdez will aim to utilize his impressive strikeout abilities, as the Astros lead the league with 1468 strikeouts. His control and poise will be key components to a potential victory for Houston.
Athletics vs Astros Prediction: Under 9.5
The Astros are on a five-game losing streak, while the Athletics have been strong in their last ten games, posting a 7-3 record. Both teams feature starting pitchers who have been decent, with Framber Valdez sporting a 3.75 ERA and J.T. Ginn at 4.57. The recent matchups between these two teams have frequently ended with the total going under.
The Athletics have dominated the head-to-head meetings this season, winning eight out of twelve games. Notably, the games have often stayed under the total, with the recent game ending 6-0 in favor of the Athletics. With both teams struggling offensively and the game being played in an outdoor stadium with overcast conditions, runs may be hard to come by.
In terms of hitting, the Astros rank 16th in slugging percentage while the Athletics are 5th, but neither team has been consistent in converting opportunities into runs. The Athletics’ recent success can be attributed more to their pitching and defense rather than a powerhouse offense. Considering these factors, it’s likely that the total remains under the set line.
The betting trends indicate that both teams have been trending under in recent games. The Athletics, in particular, have gone under in seven of their last ten games. Combining the current form of both teams and the historical data, the under 9.5 seems to be the logical choice for this game.
- Athletics vs Astros Prediction: Under 9.5
- Athletics vs Astros Score: Athletics 4 – Astros 2
