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Houston Looks to Keep A’s Misery Train Rolling

Athletics and Houston will meet on the field at Daikin Park in a battle of division rivals.

(Photo by Getty Images) Brice Matthews
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Athletics (42-62) at Houston (60-42)

  • When: Jul 24 2025, 8:10 PM
  • Where: Daikin Park, Houston
  • Where to watch: MLB Network

Athletics vs Astros: Houston’s Bats Look to Feast while A’s Prays Severino Survives

MoneylineHouston (-128)
RunlineHouston -1.5 (+159)
Total: 8.5

Athletics: Can We Get a Pulse Here?

The Athletics are 42-62, which is code for “Hey, at least we’re not the White Sox.” Sitting dead last in the AL West, Athletics is rolling into Houston hoping to not get roasted like a brisket at a Texas BBQ. They’re 22-31 on the road, which is slightly better than their record of finding fans willing to watch their games in person.

Brent Rooker is basically the one man holding this offense together with duct tape and pure willpower, with 21 home runs and 56 RBIs. If Rooker doesn’t show up, the A’s lineup has about as much pop as a flat soda. Nick Kurtz has been on fire lately, going 17-for-36 with five bombs over his last 10 games, so maybe, just maybe, Athletics can piece together a few runs.

Luis Severino (3-11, 5.10 ERA) will take the mound for Athletics, and let’s be real, if Severino gives up fewer than four runs, someone should give him a medal and a lifetime supply of Aleve.

Houston Astros: Altuve and the Hit Squad

The Astros (60-42) are sitting comfortably atop the AL West like they own the place, because they kind of do. They’ve got a 33-19 home record, which means the fans at Daikin Park have been spoiled with plenty of wins (and overpriced beer). When Houston scores five or more runs, they’re basically invincible with a 33-7 record. Translation: if the bats get going, Athletics doesn’t stand a chance.

Jose Altuve continues to be the pint-sized powerhouse of the lineup with 17 doubles, 17 home runs, and 53 RBIs. Brice Matthews, who is hitting .167 over the past 10 games, somehow has 3 home runs in that stretch, proving that power can show up even when the batting average refuses to.

The Astros’ pitching, however, is sending mixed signals. Jason Alexander (1-0, 8.40 ERA) is their starter for this one. Yes, you read that right, an 8.40 ERA. That’s less “dominant ace” and more “bring your glove if you’re sitting in the bleachers because a few souvenirs are coming your way.”

Prediction: Who Screws Up Less?

This game is less about which team is better and more about who can avoid imploding on the mound. Houston’s lineup is stronger, deeper, and probably smells better, but Alexander’s sky-high ERA means Athletics has a shot to keep this close if Severino doesn’t serve up batting practice.

Still, with Altuve and company at home, the Astros have the clear edge. Expect some runs, a few groans, and possibly a home run or three flying into the stands.

Final Score Prediction:  Astros 6, Athletics 4
Bets Bet: Houston -1.5 (+159) 
Total:  Over 8.5 (-115) 

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