🏆 Who will win Royals vs. Astros?
I'm taking the Astros to win this one. Houston has received strong performances from Ullola and Ethan Pecko, who is expected to pitch the majority of this game, while Lugo has struggled since the beginning of August.
Score prediction: Astros 5 Royals 2
💰 Royals vs. Astros prediction & best bet
First 5 innings three-way result Astros (+100)
Ullola is unlikely to pitch more than an inning, but he should set the Astros up well, as he hasn't allowed a run in five of his six appearances this season. Meanwhile, Lugo's ERA continues to climb after allowing at least five earned runs in four of his last eight starts.
While I anticipate runs for the Astros, I don't feel good about the Royals, even after Ullola exits. Pecko should pitch the majority of this game, and in his last appearance, he pitched 5.2 innings, allowing just one hit and one earned run against the Rays.
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SBR Edge: The top of the Astros' lineup has been a problem for Lugo
Jeremy Pena, Yordan Alvarez, Isaac Paredes, Jose Altuve, and Yainer Diaz are a combined 17-for-48 against Lugo, with five doubles. Alvarez, Diaz, and Paredes each have an OPS of 1.167 or higher against the Royals starter.
