Houston Astros vs Minnesota Twins Prediction & Betting Tips - MLB

Prediction published on 08/10/2023, 07:09  by Joseph King | Modified on 08/10/2023 at 07:24 in Baseball Predictions

The Houston Astros and the Minnesota Twins clash for game two of the ALDS in this best of five series. The Astros were able to take care of business in game one and secure a 6-4 win to go up 1-0 in the series. They’ll now look to protect home field advantage in game two before heading to Minnesota for games three and four. Houston overtook the Rangers in the final days of the season to finish top of the AL West. Their record of 90 wins and 72 losses was tied for the third-best record in the American League. The Astros come into game two on a five game winning streak after closing out the regular season with four straight victories. Lefty Framber Valdez will get the start in game two for the hosts. The 29-year-old finished the regular season with a 12-11 record and a 3.45 ERA.

Despite losing the first game, Minnesota will know that they only need to win one of these first two games to steal home field advantage away. The Twins finished comfortably atop the AL Central in the regular season, leading the second-place Tigers by nine games. Minny’s record of 87 wins and 75 losses was only the seventh-best mark in the American League. They had to pass through the Wild Card where they were matched up with the Toronto Blue Jays. The Twins were able to beat the Blue Jays twice by a combined score of 5-1 to advance to this stage. The Twins will start this crucial game two with Pablo Lopez on the mound who was 11-8 in the regular season with a 3.66 ERA. Lopez lasted four innings in his last appearance, giving up three earned runs in a 6-4 Twins win over the As.