Astros-Twins Odds Preview

The Houston Astros and the Minnesota Twins will both be gunning for a victory on Friday when they meet at The Metrodome. Ace righthander Roy Oswalt will take the mound for the Astros to start this game. Oswalt is 3-3 this season with a 4.19 ERA. Oswalt's opponent in this one will be Kevin Slowey. The Twins righthander has a 4.23 ERA to go along with a 9-2 record this season. Oddsmakers currently have the Twins listed as 148-moneyline favorites versus the Astros, while the game's total has not yet been posted. The Astros avoided a three-game sweep by defeating the Rangers 5-3 on Thursday, as -160 favorites. The game's eight runs went UNDER the posted over/under (11). Michael Bourn went 2-for-5 at the plate and drove in one run. Alberto Arias tossed the win, and Jose Valverde sealed the deal with his third save. Brian Buscher belted a two-run homer as the Twins defeated the Pirates 5-1 in the rubber match on Thursday, as -160 favorites. That game's six runs went UNDER the day's posted over/under (8). Michael Cuddyer went dep for the Twins, and finished 2-for-4 at the plate. Nick Blackburn tossed a complete-game, allowing just six hits and one run. Team records: Houston: 30-34 SU Minnesota: 34-34 SU Houston most recently: When playing on Friday are 4-6 Before playing Minnesota are 4-6 After playing Texas are 3-7 After a win are 5-5 Minnesota most recently: When playing on Friday are 8-2 Before playing Houston are 5-5 After playing Pittsburgh are 8-2 After a win are 4-6 A few trends to consider: The total has gone UNDER in 7 of Houston's last 9 games when playing Minnesota The total has gone OVER in 4 of Houston's last 6 games when playing on the road against Minnesota Houston is 2-6 SU in its last 8 games when playing Minnesota The total has gone UNDER in 7 of Minnesota's last 9 games when playing Houston Minnesota is 6-2 SU in its last 8 games when playing Houston Minnesota is 12-4 SU in its last 16 games at home The total has gone OVER in 4 of Minnesota's last 6 games when playing at home against Houston Next up: Minnesota home to Houston, Saturday, June 20