Houston may be the one entity on earth that benefited from COVID-19. Take the case of the Astros sign-stealing scandal. Until COVID-19 blew up the sports world the incident dominated offseason talk. In essence, the scandal was killed by the coronavirus. Fans that would have been enraged at the Astros are just glad that baseball betting is back. Houston remains a top wagering choice for the American League flag. By contrast, the Mariners are viewed as a clown show. Opening night features the Astros hosting Seattle on MLB Network. Houston will be a massive betting favorite.
Seattle Mariners at Houston Astros
| Date and Time: | Friday, July 24, 2020, 9:10 p.m. ET |
|---|---|
| Location: | Minute Maid Park, Houston, Texas |
| Mariners vs. Astros TV Coverage: | MLBN |
| Team | Spread | Total | ML | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mariners | +1½ (+120) | 7½ (-120) | +250 |  |
| Astros | -1½ (-140) | 7½ (EV) | -275 | |
| ||||
Seattle Mariners at Houston Astros SBG Odds Analysis
In this situation, the Mariners offer virtually zero appeal. All they have going for them is a lottery type of offshore betting price. Which means a huge payout in the unlikely event of a Seattle win. Meanwhile, the public will be flocking to bet on the Astros. Price, will not be a factor to scare them away. As the old saying goes “There is no value on a loser.” On the other hand, sharps may look at the total or run lines.
Probable Starters
Left-hander Marco Gonzales is the probable Mariners starter. The second career opening day start means respect. However, Gonzales has been lathered by Houston. He is 0-4 with a 7.36 earned run average in his career vs. the Astros. Gonzales was 16-13 with a 3.99 ERA in 2019.
Venerable right-hander Justin Verlander is the Astros likely starter. In sum, this is the 12th opening day start for the 2019 Cy Young winner. Verlander was 21-6 with a 2.58 ERA in 2019.
Seattle Mariners at Houston Astros Overview
In particular, the Astros own a decided advantage over Seattle at the plate. 2B Jose Altuve is one prime Houston asset. The six-time All-Star and 2017 AL MVP blasted a career-high 31 home runs in 2019.
Yet another Astro star is 3B Alex Bregman. For 2019 the two-time All-Star hit a career-high 41 home runs with 112 runs batted in.
Seattle Mariners vs. Houston Astros Betting Trends
The Mariners are:
- 5-10 in their last 15 away games
- 5-7 under the total on the road
- 2-18 in their last 20 games against Houston
- 4-6 under the total head to head with the Astros
- 3-17 in their last 20 away games vs. American League West teams
- 4-6 under the total at the American League West
The Astros are:
- 9-6 in their last 15 games at Minute Maid Park
- 9-3-1 over the total at home
- 11-1 in their last 12 home games vs. the Mariners
- 6-4 over the total when hosting Seattle
- 16-4 in their last 20 games at Minute Maid Park vs. the American League West
- 9-5 over the total at home against American League West teams
Seattle Mariners at Houston Astros SBG Free Pick
On this occasion, the best play is under the baseball betting total. Both teams will have their top pitchers starting. In turn, Seattle has no real offensive firepower. For those wanting aside, the run line on Houston is the best choice.
Mariners vs. Astros SBG Best Bet: Under the total