Astros-Braves Odds Preview

The Houston Astros and the Atlanta Braves will both be gunning for a victory on Friday when they meet at Turner Field. The Astros will pin their hopes on the pitching of lefthander Mike Hampton in this game. Hampton has a 1-1 record and a 3.86 ERA this season. The Braves will counter Hampton with ace Derek Lowe. Righthander Lowe has a 3.10 ERA to go along with a 2-1 record this season. Oddsmakers currently have the Braves listed as 170-moneyline favorites versus the Astros, while the game's total has not yet been posted. The Astros were shut out 3-0 by the Reds last time out, as +130 underdogs. The team's played UNDER the posted over/under (9). Felipe Paulino surrendered six hits and two runs over 5 2-3 innings in taking the loss. The Braves were defeated 5-3 by the Cardinals last time out, as -120 favorites. That game's eight runs went as a PUSH against the posted over/under (8). Omar Infante had three hits and drove in one run. Javier Vazquez gave up nine hits and five runs over eight innings in the loss. Team records: Houston: 9-13 SU Atlanta: 10-11 SU Houston most recently: When playing on Friday are 3-7 Before playing Atlanta are 5-5 After playing Cincinnati are 7-3 After a loss are 4-6 Atlanta most recently: When playing on Friday are 3-7 Before playing Houston are 5-5 After playing St. Louis are 5-5 After a loss are 4-6 A few trends to consider: Houston is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games on the road The total has gone UNDER in 7 of Houston's last 9 games when playing Atlanta The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Houston's last 7 games on the road The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Houston's last 7 games The total has gone UNDER in 7 of Atlanta's last 9 games when playing Houston Atlanta is 11-4 SU in its last 15 games when playing at home against Houston The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Atlanta's last 6 games at home The total has gone UNDER in 6 of Atlanta's last 9 games Next up: Atlanta home to Houston, Saturday, May 2