<p>
The Astros grabbed the lead in this American League Championship Series with a Game 3 victory Tuesday night and will look to go up 3-1 when the teams meet for Game 4 Wednesday night in the Bronx, weather permitting. This game is a little more difficult to handicap than usual because it looks like both teams are going with "openers" on the hill, then all-hands-on-deck from the bullpens. Nonetheless, how are we playing this game for our free MLB pick?
</p>
<h2>
MLB Betting Odds<br />
</h2>
<p>
As of this writing, the MLB playoff betting odds were holding off on lining this game because of uncertainty as to who's going to pitch for both teams.
</p>
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<h2>
Astros vs. Yankees Game 4 Set-Up<br />
</h2>
<p>
After splitting the first two games of this ALCS in Houston, the Astros took a 2-1 series lead with a 4-1 victory Tuesday night. Houston jumped on top when No. 2 hitter Jose Altuve homered in the top of the first inning, and Josh Reddick added a solo dinger of his own in the top of the second. Starting pitcher Gerrit Cole took over from there, finishing with seven shutout innings, and the Astros bullpen closed things out.
</p>
<p>
Houston won Game 3 as a -160 post-time favorite on the MLB betting line, and the game played under a total of 7.5 runs.
</p>
<p>
In fact, the under has hit in all three games in this ALCS, as these two teams have combined to score just 17 runs total.
</p>
<p>
With Tuesday's win, the Astros are 5-3 in these MLB playoffs.
</p>
<p>
With Tuesday's loss, New York is 4-2 in these playoffs.
</p>
<p>
Houston took the regular-season series from the Yankees this year four games to three.
</p>
<h2>
Game 4 Starting Arms<br />
</h2>
<p>
As of this writing, it appeared both teams were going with "openers" for Game 4, which makes handicapping this game a bit more complicated than usual.
</p>
<p>
Houston finished 27-25 this season in games not started by Gerrit Cole, Justin Verlander, Zack Greinke, or Wade Miley.
</p>
<p>
New York finished 15-11 this season in games not started by Domingo German, James Paxton, JA Happ, Masahiro Tanaka, or CC Sabathia.
</p>
<h2>
Game 4 Batting Splits<br />
</h2>
<p>
Houston batted .274/.352/.495 during the regular season. The Astros are now hitting just .217/.286/.373 in these MLB playoffs, scoring a total of 26 runs through eight playoff games.
</p>
<p>
New York batted .267/.3396/.490 during the regular season. The Yankees are now hitting .255/.347/.447 in these playoffs, scoring 33 runs through six games. Also, Giancarlo Stanton missed Games 2 and 3 of this ALCS with a bad quad and is iffy for Game 4.
</p>
<h3>
The Bullpens<br />
</h3>
<p>
The Yankees bullpen posted a 4.08 ERA this season and a 1.32 WHIP while allowing a .729 OPS. New York relievers have since allowed seven earned runs and 16 hits through 28 2/3 innings of work in these playoffs.
</p>
<p>
The Astros pen posted a 3.75 ERA this year and a 1.20 WHIP while holding foes to a .694 OPS. Houston relievers have since allowed 11 ER and 27 hits through 22 1/3 innings in these playoffs.
</p>
<h2>
MLB Betting Trends<br />
</h2>
<ul>
<li>
Houston finished 47-34 on the road this season.
</li>
<li>
New York finished 57-24 at home this season.
</li>
</ul>
<h2>
Totals Report<br />
</h2>
<ul>
<li>
Unders played 84-71 in Astros games this season.
</li>
<li>
Overs played 84-72 in Yankees games this season.
</li>
<li>
Totals are split 5-5 in Yankees-Astros games this season.
</li>
<li>
Unders played 44-35 in games played at Yankee Stadium this season.
</li>
</ul>
<p><section></p>
<ul>
<li>
<span style="font-size:16px;"><b><span style="color:#008000;">Get more details:</span></b> <a class="advblue" href="https://www.sportsbettingstats.com/mlb/matchup/1210764">Astros at Yankees MLB Match-up Stats</a> </span>
</li>
</ul>
<p></section></p>