Today, the Houston Astros (0-4) host the Toronto Blue Jays (2-2) at Minute Maid Park in Houston, TX.
Houston is coming off being swept in a four-game set at home by the New York Yankees. During that opening weekend sweep, the Astros struggled to score runs, only scoring a total of 11 runs in the four games. Their .259 overall team batting average wasn’t what did them in. However, their .195 average with runners in scoring position was their main problem.
The Blue Jays split a four-game series in Tampa Bay with the Rays. Toronto won the series finale with a 9-2 dominating performance. Third Baseman Justin Turner went 3-4, 1 HR, 1 2B, and 4 RBI. Starting Pitcher Kevin Gausman went 4.1 innings with 6 Ks while surrendering 1 run on 2 hits.
Can the Astros get their first victory of the new season, or will the Jays say hello to the win column again?
Houston Astros vs. Toronto Blue Jays Betting Odds
| Team | Spread | Total | MoneyLine |
| Toronto Blue Jays |
+1.5 -170 |
O 9 -118 |
+120 |
| Houston Astros |
-1.5 +142 |
U 9 -102 |
-142 |
| **Odds Subject to Change** | |||
Houston Astros vs. Toronto Blue Jays Game Details
- Fixture: Toronto Blue Jays @ Houston Astros
- Date and Time: April 1, 2024 @ 8:10 pm EST
- Location: Minute Maid Park; Houston, Texas
- Weather: Partly Cloudy and 73 Degrees
Apex Tale of the Tape
| Houston Astros | Vs. | Toronto Blue Jays |
| 0-4 | Record | 2-2 |
| 2.75 | Runs/G | 5.00 |
| .259 | BA | .221 |
| .672 | OPS | .704 |
| 2 | HR | 6 |
| 3 | SB | 0 |
| 4.50 | ERA | 4.24 |
| 1.64 | WHIP | 1.26 |
| 10.50 | K/G | 7.50 |
| 1 | Quality Starts | 1 |
| 3 | Errors | 5 |
Key Stats
Houston Astros
The Houston Astros will send 30 year old Ronel Blanco to the mound to take on the powerful Blue Jays lineup. Last season, Blanco went 2-1 over seven starts with a 4.50 ERA and 52 Ks in 52.0 innings. Catcher Yainer Diaz leads the Astros with a .429 average, Jose Altuve has 1 HR, and Mauricio Dubon has 2 RBI.
Toronto Blue Jays
The Toronto Blue Jays are slated to send Bowden Francis to the bump this evening. Francis is making his first career start tonight, after spending last season in the bullpen for the Blue Jays. In 20 appearances in 2023, Francis finished 1-0 with a 1.73 ERA in 36.1 innings and 35 Ks. Vladimir Guerrero Jr. leads the team with a .308 batting average, George Springer has 2 HRs, and Justin Turner has 4 RBI so far.
Game Prediction
It’s early, but the Houston Astros have gotten off to a rough start. It’s also probably safe to say they will turn things around sooner rather than later. With the Blue Jays tossing out a pitcher making his first career start, I’d look for the Astros to get things going a bit tonight.
Final Pick
Houston Astros -1.5 (+142)
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