Intro: The Houston Astros are taking on the Tampa Bay Rays in Game Three of their four-game series. With the series tied at one game apiece, the previous two games have been decided by one run. Houston won Game One 4-3, and Tampa won Game Two 3-2. The pitching battle will be Hunter Brown on the mound for the Astros and Taj Bradley for the Rays. Let’s jump straight into this game and cook up another winning slip!
Away Team @ Home Team Odds
| Team | Spread | Total | Money Line |
| Houston Astros | -1.5 (+110) | Over 9 (-118) | -144 |
| Tampa Bay Rays | +1.5 (-132) | Under 9 (-104) | +122 |
| Odds Are Subject to Change Date and Time: May 21st, 2025 @ 1:10 PM EST | |||
Crucial Stats
Houston Astros
The Houston Astros are coming off a narrow 4-3 loss in Game Two yesterday. With a record of 25-23, Houston sits in 2nd place in the AL West. Offensively, they are a slightly below-average team. The Astros rank 21st in runs, 20th in OPS, 13th in BA, 22nd in TB, and 22nd in HRs. Over their last ten games, Houston has a record of 6-4, including 10-14 on the road.
Defensively, the Astros are one of the best teams in the MLB. They are ranked 6th in runs allowed, 3rd in OPSA, 2nd in BAA, 3rd in TBA, and 5th in errors. Hunter Brown has been one of the best pitchers in the league this season. Brown has gone at least six innings in eight of his nine starts, has a 6-2 record, a 1.43 ERA, 67 Ks, and allowing a .170 BA. He is making an argument to be one of the favorites for the Cy Young Award this season.
Regarding injuries and who’s swinging the hot bat, Yordan Alvarez has been sidelined with right-hand inflammation and hasn’t played since May 2nd. Third Baseman Isaac Paredes leads the team with eight home runs, 25 RBIs, and an OBP of .376. Jake Meyers leads the team with a .307 BA, and Jeremy Pena has 55 hits, which also leads the team. They have the pitching staff and talent to be a sneaky World Series contender when healthy.
Tampa Bay Rays
The Tampa Bay Rays are looking to win their second in a row against the Astros. With a record of 22-26, the Rays sit in 4th place in the AL East. In terms of their offense, Tampa is a below-average team. They are ranked 22nd in runs, 24th in OPS, 20th in BA, 25th in TB, and 26th in HRs. Over their last ten games, Tampa has a record of 5-5, including 12-18 at home.
Defensively, Tampa is an average team. For the season, they are ranked 12th in runs allowed, 18th in OPSA, 17th in BAA, 19th in TBA, and 8th in errors. Taj Bradley is expected to take the mound. In his last outing, he only pitched four innings, struck out six batters, and gave up five runs. For the season, he has a record of 3-3 in his nine starts, has a 4.80 ERA, .246 BAA, and 41 Ks.
This is a relatively healthy Rays team regarding the Rays’ injuries and whose bat is hot. First Baseman Yandy Diaz leads the team in hits and RBIs, Jonathan Aranda leads the team in OBP and BA, and Third Baseman Junior Caminero leads the team with eight home runs. Despite the team’s turnaround over the past season and a half, they are a few years from being an interesting team in the American League.
Prediction
The Houston Astros will dominate this game against the Tampa Bay Rays and cover the 1.5-run line. Hunter Brown has been sensational all season and will continue in this game. Despite Tampa having better splits vs RHP, I am putting my faith in Brown to pitch a gem and their offense to wake up. They have a batting average .226 on the road but .250 during day games and .249 vs. RHP. Houston wakes up and cruises to a multi-run win.
Who Ya Got???
Houston Astros -1.5 (+110)
