Updated September 18, 2023By Dean Etheridge
The Houston Astros and Baltimore Orioles face off in a huge clash at Minute Maid Park that has implications at the top of both the AL West and the AL East. In our latest MLB betting picks we look ahead to the match and tell you the best bets to place to make a profit.
What; 2023 MLB
Who; Houston Astros vs. Baltimore Orioles
Where; Minute Maid Park, Houston, Texas
When; Monday, September 18th, 2023
Time; 8.10 pm ET
What a series this is set to be. The Astros are involved in a three-way fight with the Rangers and the Mariners at the top of the AL West, while the Orioles are involved in a two-way battle with the Rays at the top of the AL East.
Neither franchise can afford to lose, but something has to give in this three-match mini-series starting in Texas tonight.
Betting to win the 2023 World Series
Before we look at tonight’s match betting, let’s take a look at the betting to win the 2023 World Series. Both the Astros and the Orioles feature in the top four favorites, but the Braves and the Dodgers are leading the market.
Helping the cause of both the Atlanta Braves and the LA Dodgers is they have clinched their respective divisions and are through to the postseason playoffs.
The Braves clinched a place in the playoffs with a win over the Pirates last weekend, becoming the first team to claim a postseason spot this year. Brian Snitker’s team then followed that up by clinching the NL East with a win over the Phillies on Wednesday.
The Braves lead the way with the best MLB World Series betting sites at +300 to win their second title in three years. The LA Dodgers have also clinched a playoff spot and the NL West title after a 6-2 win over the Mariners on Saturday.
The Dodgers are second favorites to win the World Series at +550. They have drifted in recent weeks, mainly down to how impressive the Braves were against them in their mini-series. Just behind the Dodgers in the betting is the Astros at +600, with the Orioles next at +750.
Astros vs. Orioles Match Betting
Onto the match betting, and the best MLB betting sites are expecting a close matchup if the odds are anything to go by. The Astros are the favorites on the money line at -140, with the Orioles at +130.
On the handicap spread, Houston is +150 to cover the 1.5-point spread. Baltimore is -170 to win with the spread. And on the total points line, both over and under 8.5 points is -110.
You can find odds from even more Baseball betting sites on our MLB betting table. Please visit our best online sportsbook reviews page for more information about the sites we have used for our odds.
Houston sign off with a much-needed win
The Astros come into this fixture on the back of a morale-boosting 7-1 win over the Royals on Sunday evening. Houston lost the series, and that will be a massive disappointment given they are Rangers and the Mariners are breathing down their neck at the top of the AL West.
In their last ten matches, the Astros are 5-5, and Dusty Baker knows his team will have to improve on that if they are to win the division and clinch a place in the postseason.
Orioles clinch playoff thanks to Rangers loss
Thanks to the Cleveland Guardians thrashing the Texas Rangers 9-2 on Sunday, the Orioles are now guaranteed a place in the postseason playoffs. But it is all still to play for in the battle to win the AL East.
The Orioles need to up their game. They have also been up and down lately and come into the series with a 5-5 record from their last ten fixtures. Crucially for Brandon Hyde’s team, they won their final two matches against the Rays to tie their mini-series at two wins each.
The 7-1 thrashing the Rays dished out in the second match seems to have served as a kick up the backside for the Orioles. In match three, the Orioles handed out a thrashing of their own, winning 8-0. They then completed the comeback by winning the fourth match 5-4 on Sunday evening.
Our Picks
The Astros may be the favorites, but a home-field advantage could be the main reason. The win percentages of the two franchises show the Astros at .560 and the Orioles at .624. Baltimore has 93 wins this season, the Astros 84. Baltimore has had a better season!
But does the fact that the Orioles have now clinched a playoff berth mean they may drop off a level? Or can they now play with more freedom? Probably yes and no. They are in the playoffs, but they will still want to win the AL East, and the Rays are only two wins behind.
For our pick, we are going with what we consider to be the value bet. And that is a win for the Orioles at +130.
Baltimore OriolesTo beat the Astros
+130
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We are also going for over 8.5 points to win in the total points market. That is the pick we are more confident in. There is an argument for saying that the match is too close to call, which is fair enough. So, if you think that, just back over 8.5 points.
Over 8.5 Total PointsAstros vs Orioles
-110
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Summary
Event
Houston Astros vs. Baltimore Orioles
Location
Minute Maid Park,Houston,Texas
Starting on
September 18, 2023
Ending on
September 18, 2023
About the Author
Dean Etheridge
Over the last 10 years, Dean has sharpened his expertise in crafting and revising content for his soccer and cricket betting platforms. Driven by his passion for sports betting and writing, he embarked on a journey of writing about sports wagering.
Although Dean’s preferred areas of focus are the English Premier League and cricket, his extensive sports knowledge enables him to tackle nearly any sport.
Gone are the days of traveling the world to witness events like FIFA World Cups and Ashes cricket, as Dean now prefers the comfort of his own home while enjoying sports.
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