Astros-Marlins Lines Preview

The Houston Astros and the Florida Marlins will both be gunning for a victory on Thursday when they meet at LandShark Stadium. The Astros will pin their hopes on the pitching of lefthander Mike Hampton in this game. Hampton has a 7-9 record and a 5.30 ERA this season. The Marlins will counter Hampton with Sean West. Lefthander West has a 4.88 ERA to go along with a 3-4 record this season. Oddsmakers currently have the Marlins listed as 155-moneyline favorites versus the Astros, while the game's total has not yet been posted. The Astros scored seven runs in the fourth inning as they crushed the Marlins 14-6 on Wednesday, as +170 underdogs. The 20 runs sailed OVER the posted over/under (8.5). Hunter Pence belted two three-run homers to lead the Astros, and Carlos Lee drove in three runs. Bud Norris allowed 10 hits and five runs over five innings in the win. Hanley Ramirez had two RBIs for the Marlins, while Ricky Nolasco gave up 10 runs off eight hits over 3 1-3 innings in the loss. Oddsmakers had the Marlins as -190 favorites. Team records: Houston: 56-58 SU Florida: 60-54 SU Houston most recently: When playing on Thursday are 6-4 Before playing Milwaukee are 4-6 After playing Florida are 5-5 After a win are 4-6 Florida most recently: When playing on Thursday are 2-8 Before playing Colorado are 5-5 After playing Houston are 6-4 After a loss are 6-4 A few trends to consider: Houston is 6-12 SU in its last 18 games Houston is 2-6 SU in its last 8 games on the road Houston is 1-5 SU in its last 6 games when playing Florida Houston is 1-7 SU in its last 8 games when playing on the road against Florida Florida is 7-1 SU in its last 8 games when playing at home against Houston Florida is 5-1 SU in its last 6 games Florida is 5-1 SU in its last 6 games when playing Houston Florida is 16-7 SU in its last 23 games at home Next up: Houston at Milwaukee, Friday, August 14 Florida home to Colorado, Friday, August 14