Houston (82-69) at San Diego (86-66)
- When: Sep 18 2024, 6:40 PM
- Where: PETCO Park, San Diego
- Where to watch: SCHN
Game Odds, Spread, Moneyline & Total
Houston Astros @ San Diego Padres
Moneyline
Houston Astros -111
San Diego Padres -109
Houston Astros @ San Diego Padres
Runline
Houston Astros -1.5 (+165)
San Diego Padres 1.5 (-195)
Houston Astros @ San Diego Padres
Total
Over 6.5 (-120)
Under 6.5 (EVEN)
- Odds source: Bovada Sportsbook
- Get real-time live scores & latest betting odds here!
Probable Pitchers:
Houston: Framber Valdez (14-6, 2.91)
San Diego: Dylan Cease (13-11, 3.58)
Team Stats
| Astros | Padres | |
| 82-69 | Record | 86-66 |
| 40-37 | Away & Home | 45-30 |
| 6-4 | Last 10 | 6-4 |
| W1 | Streak | L1 |
Game Preview
Josh Hader’s return to San Diego was marked by a dramatic blown save that energized the packed stadium, but he and the Houston Astros still managed a 10-inning victory over the Padres on Tuesday.
In Wednesday’s decisive game, with substantial playoff implications, Hader and Houston (82-69) aim to secure the series win against his former team. This season with Houston, Hader has successfully saved 31 out of 34 opportunities, despite Tuesday’s hiccup which saw his first pitch result in a wild pitch and a blown save.
The former San Diego closer’s first year in Houston has been marked by a solid 3.26 ERA and 97 strikeouts over 66 1/3 innings. Last year in San Diego, Hader was criticized for not pitching more than one inning or consecutively for more than two days, a restriction set by him and his agent regarding his usage. These limitations were lifted after he signed a five-year, $95 million contract with the Astros.
"I’m grateful for the Astros’ belief in my abilities," Hader noted after securing his sixth outing of the year where he recorded more than three outs, aiding Houston to extend their lead in the American League West over Seattle to five games, with just 11 games left.
Houston will rely on left-hander Framber Valdez (14-6, 2.91 ERA) in their bid to tighten their grip on the division title. Valdez pitched well in his last start, a 6-3 win over Oakland, but received no decision. He has a 0-1 record and a 4.50 ERA in two career starts against San Diego.
On the mound for San Diego (86-66), Dylan Cease (13-11, 3.58), who ranks second in strikeouts in the National League with 215, will try to counteract. Cease dominated in his last start against San Francisco, delivering six scoreless innings with 10 strikeouts.
Despite his prowess, Cease has struggled against Houston in the past, holding a 0-3 record and a 4.18 ERA in six starts, hampered by control issues and susceptibility to home runs.
Although the Padres maintained their lead for the National League’s top wild-card spot, they missed an opportunity to close the gap on the NL West-leading Los Angeles Dodgers, who also lost on Tuesday, keeping San Diego 3 1/2 games behind.
Petco Park witnessed a milestone when Manny Machado hit a two-run homer, setting a new single-season record for home runs at the park with the team’s 102nd of the year. Despite some adjustments to the park dimensions, it still plays large in the marine air, especially at night.
"You just adapt and aim for solid line drives," noted rookie Jackson Merrill, reflecting on playing conditions at Petco Park after hitting his 24th home run the previous night.
MLB Parlay Picks & Predictions
Final Score: San Diego 5-2
Expert Pick: San Diego -109 & Over 6½ (-120)
A $100 Parlay Bet will return $352
- MLB Odds source: Bovada Sportsbook
