Oakland Athletics at Houston Astros Free Pick and Betting Lines. The 25-13 Houston Astros play host to the 13-26 Oakland Athletics tonight in MLB action on the grass of Minute Maid Park, May 18, 2015. First pitch is scheduled for 8:10PM EST.

Wagering Odds
Moneyline: Astros -120/Athletics +110
O/U Total: 8.5

Pitching Matchup
Drew Pomeranz (L) W/L 2-3 WHIP 1.22 ERA 4.42
Lance McCullers (R) 1st appearance of his career

Oakland was a 7-3 loser to the White Sox yesterday completing a 3-game sweep. They finished 1-5 on their homestand and are 1-9 in their last 10 games. Pomeranz has the only win during this time. Houston was a 4-2 winner on Sunday over Toronto completing a 4-game sweep. They are 5-1 on their current homestand and 7-3 in their past 10 games overall.

The Astros have a 4-2 lead in 2015 and a 6-3 edge over their AL West rivals.

Pomeranz was a 9-2 winner over Boston in his last start. He allowed 1 run over 7 innings, his first Q start since opening week.

McCullers, a 2012 1st-round draft pick is making his first career start. He is the son of his namesake, Lance McCullers who pitched for several years in the majors.

Only 2B Jose Altuve has at least 10 ABs vs. Pomeranz. He is 5-10 for a .500 BA and has stolen 2 bases. OF Jake Marisnick is 2-6 (.333) with a HR and 2 RBIs. He also has a SB off of the left-hander.

Oakland at Houston Betting Trends

The Athletics are 1-4 straight up in their last 5 games against Houston
The game total has gone over in 4 of Oakland’s last 6 games against Houston.
Oakland is 1-10 straight up in their last 11 games.
The Astros are 5-0 straight up in their last 5 home games.
The game total has gone over in 4 of Houston’s last 6 games against Oakland.

Injury Report

OAKLAND ATHLETICS
Ike Davis 1B 15-Day Disabled List
Sean Doolittle P 15-Day Disabled List
A.J. Griffin P 60-Day Disabled List
Eric O’Flaherty P 15-Day Disabled List
Jarrod Parker P 15-Day Disabled List
Taylor Thompson P 60-Day Disabled List
Ben Zobrist OF 15-Day Disabled List

HOUSTON ASTROS
Jed Lowrie SS 15-Day Disabled List
Brett Oberholtzer P 15-Day Disabled List
Brad Peacock P 15-Day Disabled List

Consensus Picks (Public Money line Bets)
Oakland: 30%
Houston: 70%

Free MLB Pick

The Athletics are in a free fall losing 10 of 11 games while the Astros have won 5 straight. So, that makes it a bit easier backing Houston with a pitcher making his first start. Add in Oakland’s starter Drew Pomeranz’ 0-3 road record with a very unflattering 6.86 ERA and the play becomes even stronger.

Take the Houston Astros -120‏