Mark Lammey
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To say the Astros had a much-needed strong weekend may sound strange. They boast the best record in the American League, recently overtaking the Yankees. However, the lowly A’s have been a pest for them, as Houston had lost to them in 5 of their last 6 meetings prior to this weekend. Obviously they remedied that situation with their sweep. Meanwhile, the White Sox continue to battle on through injuries. They were able to do so with a sweep of their own. Chicago is still in a close race for the lead in the AL Central, so let’s see how these two teams match up.
Along with this same game parlay, be sure to check out our thoughts on the side and total for all of today’s games.
Over 5.5 total runs (-330)
Yordan Alvarez 2+ total bases (-110)
Jose Abreu 2+ total bases (+110)
Parlay odds: +340
Let’s take a closer look at each leg of our same game parlay.
Over 5.5 total runs (-330)
We’re going to focus on the total instead of the side for several reasons. These teams have met for just one other series this season, and that opener ended with a 13-3 Astros win. While that may suggest Houston is the side to support in this game, it’s still a closer matchup than it may appear. That is due to the inconsistencies of the starters on the mound. Houston’s Jose Urquidy can be as unpredictable as it gets. He is likely going to be out of the rotation soon, as well, with the return of Lance McCullers Jr. Urquidy may have 11 wins on the year, but he has been far from perfect.
He has a loss to the American League-worst A’s, and even his most recent win wasn’t inspiring. The Rangers put up five runs and Urquidy only got the win with the Astros’ ability to produce and support him. That also demonstrates why they should be expected to do their part towards this total. White Sox starter Johnny Cueto is coming off of a loss to a weak Royals lineup in a contest that ended with 11 total runs. Now he has to take on the best team in the American League, with some of its strongest hitters. Jose Altuve is one of the best leadoff men there is and Yordan Alvarez remains an AL MVP candidate. Along with a mediocre Sox bullpen, let’s root for runs rather than sweat out a side.
Yordan Alvarez 2+ total bases (-110)
Let’s transition our over play with some specific hitters that should contribute in hitting it. The entire Astros lineup has the ability to cash this prop, as they proved to do so the last time these teams met. They didn’t waste any time getting things started either. A primary factor of that 13-3 series-opening win was Alvarez. If Aaron Judge wasn’t having such an unbelievable year, an argument could be made for Alvarez to win the AL MVP.
Regardless, no one doubts his dominance; he has racked up 214 total bases this season, the 5th-most in the American League. He’s maintained his spot above Shohei Ohtani off the back of his incredible .624 slugging percentage, which is behind only Judge. As for the aforementioned Sox series, that accounted for several of those total bases. Alvarez went 2-for-4 with a home run, two RBIs and five total bases in the series opener alone. Cueto wasn’t on the mound for that game, but we have already broken down his inconsistencies. Even if it doesn’t come early, Alvarez can certainly hit this against that weak Sox bullpen.
Jose Abreu 2+ total bases (+110)
Just as we went with the Astros’ most dominant hitter, we are doing the same with the White Sox. It may not be the most out-of-the-box play, but it doesn’t mean there isn’t value. Throughout all of Chicago’s injuries this season, Abreu has been the team’s consistent piece. After leading the team in total bases last season, he is doing the same again this year. His 200 are close behind Alvarez, and he too performed well the last time these teams met.
The game following the Astros’ convincing series-opening win was a 7-0 win by the Sox. That again supports why we aren’t predicting a side for this game. The most remarkable part about that win was the fact that it was against Houston’s AL Cy Young favorite Justin Verlander on the mound. Abreu hit a 2-RBI double in that game and has 28 doubles on the season. Now that he will be facing a shaky Urquidy, who may not even have a job next week, Abreu can do his part in contributing towards this high-scoring game.
Don’t miss our MLB parlays for tonight’s action!
What is a Same Game Parlay?
Check out our guide on what is a same game parlay and where can I bet it?
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