Ryan Hodges
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Game 1 of this series did not disappoint. It may have been tough for Twins fans to watch. But any baseball fan who tuned in saw a great, action-packed game. The Astros looked like they have not lost a step when it comes to performing in the playoffs. Despite that, the Twins even made a nice comeback that fell just short. The Twins do not want to go home down 2-0 and will bring everything they have in Game 2. But will it be enough?
If you’re looking to have some action on this game, check out our Twins vs Astros Same Game Parlay below for their matchup on Sunday. You can also read our MLB predictions for picks on today’s games.
Astros ML (-140)
Over 8.5 (+110)
Jose Altuve 2+ total bases (+155)
Same Game Parlay odds: +550
Astros ML (-140)
After narrowly winning the AL West right at the end of the season, the Astros reminded us why they have been to 4 World Series’ and won 2 of them in the last 6 years. They were dominant through 6 innings yesterday and thwarted a potential late comeback. When it comes to playoff baseball, it really does not matter who they play. They are difficult to fade, especially against a team that has not historically had playoff success.
Saturday’s Game 1 win gave the Astros their 5th consecutive victory and the 6th win in their last 7 games. That solid stretch has come against the Mariners, Diamondbacks and now the Twins. Those are not pushover teams and Houston has taken care of business when it has mattered most. Until the Astros falter a little bit, they showed again on Saturday that they are the team to beat in the American League.
Over 8.5 (+110)
The 6-4 final on Saturday was the 11th over in the Twins’ last 16 games on the road as well as the 4th over in the last 6 head-to-head meetings. The over has also hit in 4 of the teams’ last 5 games at Minute Maid Park. Despite solid pitching on both sides, the totals have been climbing a bit lately for these teams. Solid offensive production has been a key driver behind higher totals and Saturday’s game reinforced the trend.
Game 2 has a great pitching matchup as Pablo Lopez will get the start for the Twins and Framber Valdez will have the ball for the Astros. Usually, this matchup would have pitchers’ duel written all over it. But in their respective last 3 starts, the over has hit in 4 of the combined 6 games. Just because the over hit does not mean that the pitcher was bad. In the case of Lopez and Valdez, they have thrown solid games and had great run support which drove up the total. With Houston pushing to go up 2-0 and Minnesota trying to tie the series, look for these lineups to be aggressive today.
You can also check out today’s YRFI/NRFI best bets.
Jose Altuve 2+ total bases (+145)
Jose Altuve showed on Saturday once again why he is one of the most clutch players in baseball at this time of year. He took the first pitch of the series way over the wall in left field for a leadoff home run which was the 24th career postseason home run for Altuve. In 93 career playoff games played across 20 series, Altuve now has 24 home runs, 50 RBIs, a .271 batting average and an .848 OPS. The +145 odds for a player of this pedigree to collect 2 bases is great value for this parlay.
The Astros thrive this time of year and Altuve has been there for it. He bats leadoff in a dangerous lineup that is loaded with players who can bring him home once he gets on base. Likely hitting behind Altuve will be Alex Bregman, Yordan Alvarez and Kyle Tucker. As long as Altuve gets on base, there is a good chance he will be advanced on the base paths.
