Astros vs. Reds: Game 3 predictions, odds and picks — Sept 5, MLB 2024

On Thursday afternoon, the Cincinnati Reds will look to complete a series sweep, and garner their eighth consecutive win over the Houston Astros. Although the Reds' postseason hopes may be dashed, they appear to be executing the spoiler role successfully.

After winning the first game of the series 5-3, Tyler Stephenson, TJ Friedl and Elly De La Cruz all posted multiple RBIs as the Reds steamrolled Houston 12-5 in the second game. With a win on Thursday, Cincinnati will notch four straight victories.

"The Astros haven’t won a game against the Reds since 2016. That is a real stat." - Michael Schwab

Astros vs Reds Recent Form and Records

On account of their 75-64 record, the Astros are first in their division, the AL West. Despite being 10 games behind the Seattle Mariners as recently as late June, a 33-23 run since July 1 has catapulted manager Joe Espada's team to the top of its division.

For the Reds, the outlook is more grim. Now 67-73, the team lies fourteen games behind the Milwaukee Brewers, who lead the NL Central. Moreover, their lackluster 35-39 home record underscores the club's struggles this season.

Astros vs Reds Key Players and Starting Pitchers

Starting Pitchers

HOU: Hunter Brown (11-7, 3.55 ERA) vs CIN: Rhett Lowder (0-1, 2.55 ERA)

Brown has a 1.28 WHIP, 3.3 BB/9 and 155 K in 147 IP.

Last Start: Win, 6.2 IP, 2 H, 0 ER, 2 BB, 4 K vs KC

Career vs CIN: N/A

"Hunter Brown's 7th K thru 4" - Pitching Ninja

Lowder has a 1.5 WHIP, 9.0 BB/9 and 6 K in 4 IP.

Last Start: Loss, 4 IP, 2 H, 1 ER, 4 BB, 6 K vs MIL

Career vs HOU: N/A

Must-Watch Hitters

On Wednesday, Tyler Stephenson went 2-for-4 with three RBIs. Moreover, over the span of the last two weeks, the catcher has two home runs and 10 RBIs, and boasts a .409 batting average, ranking third in MLB over that period of time.

"HUNG 9 ON HOUSTON! Tyler Stephenson caps the @Reds highest-scoring first inning in over 22 years" - Bally Sports Cincinnati

Another player with multiple RBIs on Wednesday was TJ Friedl. Although the outfielder has hit just .223 over his past 30 games, Friedl's 23 RBIs in the month of August led his club.

Jonathan India has demonstrated an incredible eye of late. In addition to homering on Thursday against the Houston Astros, the second baseman walked twice, and now leads the Reds with 68 base on balls in 2024.

Outfielder Ben Gamel has hit .310 since joining the Astros in August, and contributed with a home run and two RBIs in his team's recent series against the Kansas City Royals. An eight year MLB veteran, Gamel has hit .297 against the Reds in his career.

Although Astros first baseman Jon Singleton is three for his last twenty, two of those three hits have been home runs. Having already matched his career high figure in home runs, watch out for Singleton to make an impact.

A .311 hitter on the season, Yordan Alvarez is the first member of the Astros to hit 30 home runs this season. With three hits in three career games against the Reds, Alvarez is an ever-present offensive threat.

Astros vs Reds Baseball Betting Odds and Insights

Thursday 5/9	Money Line	Run Spread	Total Runs
Houston Astros	-155	-1.5 +100	O 9 -120
Cincinnati Reds	+130	+1.5 -120	U 9 +100

Astros vs Reds Expert Picks and Game Prediction

The fact that the Reds have taken two already from the almighty Astros speaks volumes about the team's tenacity. Over the past two weeks, the Reds have logged 131 hits, which ranks fourth in MLB over that span of time.

However, when it comes to pitching, the Astros have an edge. Having recently limited the Kansas City Royals to nine runs in four games, Houston's 3.20 ERA since Aug. 20 ranks fourth in MLB. In that period, the Reds' combined figure of 5.56 ranks 28th out of 30 teams.

The Reds appear to be hitting well, and perhaps that will be enough to overcome the Astros solid pitching, which will be personified by Hunter Brown.

Run Line: +1.5 -120

Total Runs: Under 9

Prediction: Reds W, 5-1