The Houston Astros open a three-game series against the Philadelphia Phillies on Tuesday night at Daikin Park. First pitch is scheduled for 8:10PM ET. Houston enters at 43-34, while Philadelphia sits at 45-32 and leads the NL East by one game.
These teams last met on August 28, 2024, when the Astros won 10-0. Both clubs are surging. Houston has won seven of its last nine series. Philadelphia has won 10 of its last 13 games after falling into a five-game skid earlier this month.
HOU Preview – Pena and Valdez Power the Run
The Astros won their last game 8-7 over the Angels, capping a strong road trip. They’ve done it with a short roster, missing several key players including Yordan Alvarez and Chas McCormick. Shortstop Jeremy Pena has been the engine, hitting .381 in June with power and defense. He has four multi-hit games in his last five starts.
Framber Valdez gets the start Tuesday. He is 8-4 with a 3.09 ERA and has not lost in eight straight starts. In that stretch, Valdez is 7-0 with a 2.13 ERA and 62 strikeouts in 55 innings. He allowed five walks in his last start but gave up only two runs in six innings.
Valdez has faced the Phillies twice, including a start last April when he allowed three runs in a 3-1 loss. Houston ranks high in home win percentage, team ERA, and first five inning totals. The Astros are 24-8 in their last 32 home games.
PHI Preview – Suarez Keeps Phillies Rolling
The Phillies beat the Mets 7-1 Sunday to win that series and grab the top spot in the NL East. They’ve gone 10-3 since June 11 and are playing with more confidence. Manager Rob Thomson called it a “bounce-back” win after dropping Saturday’s game to the Mets.
Left-hander Ranger Suarez will start Tuesday. Suarez is 6-1 with a 2.20 ERA and has allowed two earned runs or fewer in each of his last six starts. He’s gone at least six innings in all four of his June outings and struck out eight Marlins his last time out. In his lone career start against Houston, Suarez gave up six runs in three innings.
Philadelphia is without Aaron Nola and Bryce Harper, but the team has been hitting well and pitching even better. They’ve cashed the first five moneyline in 35 of their last 60 games. The under has hit in 22 of their last 34 road games as the pitching staff continues to limit damage.
Betting Prediction
Framber Valdez has been tough to beat and should be strong again at home. The Astros are solid at Daikin Park, especially early in games. With Suarez also pitching well, this could start slow and stay tight into the later innings. But Houston’s edge at the plate and recent form gives them the advantage.
Both teams are trending under on totals, especially on the road (Phillies) and at home (Astros). With two in-form lefties, the under has value. Look for Houston to win a low-scoring game. Projected score: Astros 4, Phillies 2.
Pick: Astros ML and Under 8.5
