Astros vs. Diamondbacks: Game 3 predictions, odds and picks — Sept 8, MLB 2024

On Sunday, the Astros and D-Backs will meet in Houston to finish up their three-game set. As the Astros have dominated the first two games of the series, the D-Backs will be hoping to snatch a win in order to keep their postseason hopes from dwindling further.

After a convincing 8-0 win on Friday, it was all Astros again on Saturday. Pitcher Yusei Kikuchi stood tall as home runs from Jeremy Pena and Jose Altuve helped Houston to a 11-5 win.

"15th home run of the year for Jeremy Peña and the @Astros have a ten-spot" - MLB

D-Backs vs Astros recent form and records

After being swept by the Cincinnati Reds last week, the Astros have redeemed themselves in a big way. Now 77-65, the Astros have a comfortable 5.5 lead over the Seattle Mariners in their division. With a 7-3 record in their past 10 games, Sunday's game against Arizona will mark Houston's last regular-season game against an NL club in 2024.

After being one of the best clubs in baseball during the month of August, Arizona's fortunes have slipped in September. Although the team remains half a game up on the Mets, and hold onto the second NL Wild Card spot, a 3-7 run over their last 10 is a cause for concern for many fans.

D-Backs vs Astros players to watch

Starting Pitchers

AZ: Ryne Nelson (10-6, 4.15 ERA) vs HOU: Justin Verlander (3-5, 4.52 ERA)

Nelson has a 1.259 WHIP, 2.0 BB/9 and 121 K in 143 IP.

Last Start: Win, 6.2 IP, 4 H, 2 ER, 2 BB, 9 K vs SFG

Career vs HOU: 0-0 0.00 ERA (1 IP, 0 ER) 0 HR in 1 Game

Verlander has a 1.312 WHIP, 2.9 BB/9 and 63 K in 71.2 IP.

Last Start: Loss, 4.2 IP, 8 H, 5 ER, 4 BB, 3 K vs CIN

Career vs AZ: 5-1 1.77 ERA (45.2 IP, 9 ER) 2 HR in 7 Games

Must Watch Hitters

Arizona

Eugenio Suarez has been Arizona's best hitter of late. In addition to hitting three home runs and seven RBIs in his team's recent series against the Los Angeles Dodgers, the veteran Venezuelan is batting .333 with six home runs and 14 RBIs in his last 14 games.

"Daily reminder from Eugenio Suárez that I’m an idiot for calling him to be DFA." - Mr AZ

Outfielder Corbin Carroll has also been having a strong showing of late. In addition to stealing five bases over the past fortnight, Carroll is 17 for his last 56 at-bats, logging five homers and 14 RBIs.

Shortstop Geraldo Perdomo's eight walks leads his team over the past two weeks, as do his three doubles. A .279 hitter on the season, the 24-year-old Dominican has 76 hits in 79 games this year.

Houston

Yordan Alvarez' 1.303 OPS leads all of MLB over the past two weeks, and the Cuban has seven home runs and 13 RBIs in his last 47 at-bats. A career .323 hitter against Arizona, watch out for Alvarez to have another big day.

"Yordan Alvarez vs. baseball Advantage: Yordan" - MLB

Jose Altuve's home run on Saturday was his first since Aug. 24 against the Baltimore Orioles. An even .300 hitter on the season, Altuve's 59 RBIs represent his highest figure in the category since 2021.

D-Backs vs Astros baseball betting odds

Sunday 8/9	Money Line	Run Spread	Total Runs
Arizona Diamondbacks	+ 125	+1.5 -165	O 8 -115
Houston Astros	- 155	- 1.5 +140	U 8 -105

D-Backs vs Astros expert picks and game prediction

Judging by the way that the Astros have hit around the D-Backs thus far this series, another win on Sunday would only logically follow.

Although veteran pitcher Justin Verlander has struggled this season, his career numbers against the D-Backs are very strong. Moreover, in a bat like Yordan Alvarez, Houston boasts the hottest hitter in MLB.

Run Line: -1.5 +140

Total Runs: O 8 -115

Prediction: Astros W, 10-7