Marlins Holding Onto To Postseason Hopes, Astros’ Are Fading Fast

Even if they don’t reach the postseason, the Florida Marlins (79-72, 85-66 RL, 77-65-9 O/U) have exceeded all expectations this season!

The Marlins are holding on to their slim playoff hopes as the regular season draws to a close – and doing something about it – having won seven consecutive games in the Houston Astros, (80-71, 85-65 RL, 63-82-5 O/U).

"Everything's clicking for us right now," Marlins pitcher Ricky Nolasco said. "It starts with the starting pitching, go out there and get our offense in the dugout as quick as possible. At any given time, we can do what we did tonight and put up 14 runs."

The Marlins will look to continue their late-season surge and complete a three-game sweep of Houston by turning to left-hander Scott Olsen (7-10, 4.31 ERA), who is coming off a strong start in his last outing.

Olsen limited the Washington Nationals to one run on six hits in six innings in Florida’s 2-1 win on Friday.

The Astros have dropped four straight, including their disheartening 14-2 loss to Florida Wednesday night after winning 14 of 15 to climb into the NL wild card race.

Now, four games behind the Mets in the NL wild card race, the Astros know they need a win in the worst way.

The Astros will hand the ball to rookie right-hander Alberto Arias (1-0, 1.93), who makes his second big league start after limiting the Pittsburgh Pirates to just two hits in five innings of a 3-2 home win on Sept. 8.

"Obviously, those guys are pretty hot over there swinging the bats, but we didn't execute one pitch all night," Astros manager Cecil Cooper said. "And we're not swinging the bats - it's a double-edged sword."

Here is a look at tonight’s key MLB online betting Free Picks.

The Astros are 4-0 in their last four Thursday games.

The Astros are 6-0 in their last six during game three of a series.

The Marlins are 15-5 in Olsen’s last 20 starts vs. National League Central.

The Marlins are 2-5 in Olsen’s last seven starts following a Quality Start in his last appearance.

The Under is 5-0 in Olsen’s last five home starts.

MLB Odds

Houston Astros +1½ -165

Alberto Arias –R +135

Florida Marlins -1½ +145

Scott Olsen –L -155

Over 8 -110

Under 8 -110

Analysis: It’s a shame the Houston Astros are mired in a losing streak after fighting so hard to climb back into the NL postseason picture, but that’s the price they’re paying for getting off to such an ugly start this season. I like the surprising Florida Marlins to keep their playoff hopes alive by beating the Astros handily with Scott Olsen getting the job done against Houston’s struggling batters.

: Marlins 5 Astros 3