Prepare for an electrifying matchup as American League pennant hopefuls, the Baltimore Orioles and the Houston Astros, continue their three-game series in Houston on Tuesday night. Rookie right-hander Hunter Brown will be taking the mound for the home team, while veteran righty Kyle Gibson will be aiming for his 15th win for Baltimore. So, who should you favor in this clash for our free baseball betting pick?

MLB Betting Odds

The Tuesday baseball betting market initially opened with Houston and Brown at around -120 over Baltimore and Gibson, with a projected over/under of nine runs. However, early betting action has shifted the odds 15 cents in favor of the Astros, making them -135 favorites.

Orioles Betting Preview

Baltimore staged a late-game rally to secure a thrilling victory in the opening game of this series on Monday night, defeating the Astros 8-7. The Orioles found themselves trailing 1-0 early, took a 3-1 lead by the end of the fifth inning, but then fell behind 7-5 by the eighth. However, a clutch three-run home run from Cedric Mullins in the top of the ninth snatched victory from the jaws of defeat. The Orioles pulled off the Monday win as +170 underdogs against the legendary Justin Verlander, and the game surpassed the projected total of 8.5. With Monday's triumph, Baltimore extended its winning streak to three games after a four-game skid. At 94-56 overall, the Orioles, who have already secured a spot in the playoffs, lead the Tampa Bay Rays by 2.5 games in the race for the best record in the American League.

Astros Betting Preview

Conversely, Houston has struggled recently, recording just two wins in its last seven games. At 84-67 overall, the Astros' lead in the AL West has dwindled to a mere game and a half, with both the Texas Rangers and the Seattle Mariners breathing down their necks. In their meetings this season, these teams have split four games.

Tuesday's Pitching Match-Up

Hunter Brown is coming off a solid start in his most recent appearance, following a challenging stretch. Last Wednesday, he delivered five hitless innings against the Oakland Athletics, allowing only two walks while tallying seven strikeouts in a 6-2 victory for the Astros. However, in his four previous starts, he struggled, conceding 19 runs (17 earned) and 21 hits over 16 innings. The Astros lost three of those four games. Houston has posted a 14-13 record with Brown this season, though a 13-14 record might better reflect his performance in individual games. In his lone career start against Baltimore, which took place six weeks ago at Camden Yards, Brown gave up five runs and eight hits through six innings in a 5-4 Astros loss. Kyle Gibson's recent form has been inconsistent. Immediately following the All-Star break, he strung together four strong starts, with the Orioles winning three out of four. However, he struggled in his last two outings in August. In his last two starts, he allowed a combined four runs and nine hits over 12 2/3 innings against the Los Angeles Angels and the St. Louis Cardinals. Baltimore holds a 17-13 record with Gibson this year, though a 15-15 record might provide a more accurate reflection of his individual performances. Gibson last faced the Astros in 2021 when he was with the Texas Rangers.

Splits With the Sticks

Baltimore has produced a .255 batting average against right-handed pitchers this season, with a .317 team on-base percentage and a .424 team slugging percentage. Conversely, Houston has displayed a .254/.329/.422 slash line against right-handed pitching.

The Bullpens

The Astros' bullpen has maintained a 3.70 ERA this season, complemented by a 1.28 WHIP and a 2.68 K/BB ratio. However, closer Ryan Pressly has struggled recently and blew Monday night's game. The Orioles' bullpen has recorded a 3.52 ERA, a 1.26 WHIP, and a 2.94 K/BB ratio. Baltimore lost closer Pedro Bautista to a sore elbow three weeks ago, but the unit has only surrendered one game since his absence.

MLB Betting Trends

The Baltimore Orioles have been an exceptional road team this season, boasting a league-best 49-26 record away from home. They also hold a 60-39 record against right-handed starters. Houston, in contrast, has posted a less impressive 38-38 record at home and holds a 57-47 record against right-handed starters.

Totals Report

The Baltimore Orioles have encountered an equal split of overs and unders this season, with 72 games leaning toward the over. For the Houston Astros, overs have prevailed in 80 of their 148 games. At Minute Maid Park, unders have been favored this season, with 40 of 74 games finishing below the projected total.