Take the Over in the San Diego Padres-Houston Astros Series Opener

Prior to scoring one run in their last loss, where they left six on base after going 1-for-4 with runners in scoring position, the Padres averaged 6.4 runs a game over five games.

With Hunter Brown, who gave up 11 runs and two home runs in his last three starts, pitching for Houston, San Diego has the opportunity to restore its offensive punch.

Despite a weaker pitcher, the Padres are 23rd in the MLB with a .240 batting average, so bettors may still want to see if they can start strong before looking at some MLB live betting odds.

Astros’ Bats Stay Hot

Houston won its third game in a row to sweep its series with Texas after a string of strong offensive games.

Against another top-rated batting team in the Rangers, the Astros outplayed them, scoring double-digit runs in all three wins in averaging 13 runs per game.

Despite scoring just once in the game prior to the series with Texas, Houston was able to bounce back in a big way with a .378 batting average and 16 home runs in the series.

The Astros have hit another home run, and water is wet. pic.twitter.com/eMxLaru9RT

— Houston Astros (@astros) September 7, 2023

The Astros are the fourth-best hitting team in the MLB with a .260 batting average, and although they’re unlikely to score double digits against a stronger pitching rotation in the Padres, they’re still a solid MLB pick to stay hot at the plate.

Starting Pitchers

Blake Snell (12-9, 2.50 ERA) vs Hunter Brown (10-10, 4.53 ERA)

Snell will look to continue his strong recent play in the series opener against Houston. In his last two starts, Snell hasn’t conceded a run, recording 17 strikeouts over 13 innings. Snell has been strong on the road as well, going 3-4 with a 2.23 ERA.

Brown, meanwhile, will aim to get out to a stronger start against San Diego. In his first game of September, Brown allowed three earned runs and a homer in four innings. He has struggled at home as well with a 3-6 record and 5.56 ERA.

Padres vs Astros Odds

Padres vs Astros Best Bet

MLB lines set the run total at 8.5 runs, and with the way both offenses have been playing lately, they should be able to clear it in the series opener.

Though Snell will aim to slow the hot-hitting Astros down, they’re one of the top hitting teams in the league. After the way Houston played against Texas, it’s likely to make life difficult for Snell on the mound.

The Padres’ offense should also be able to get back on track after it came to a halt in their final game with Philadelphia, with Brown not offering much in the form of confidence for Houston.

With both offenses likely to get off and running in the opener, take the two to go over the 8.5 total from the sportsbook.

• Pick: Over 8.5 runs (-115)