Houston Astros vs. Cincinnati Reds Prediction: Can Ronel Blanco, Astros Avoid the Sweep?
The Houston Astros and the Cincinnati Reds play the final game of their series. Can Ronel Blanco and the Astros avoid the sweep? Oddschecker handicapper Krabs answers.
Krabs - June 18, 2023, 10:40 AM EDT
5 minHouston Astros vs. Cincinnati Reds Prediction: Can Ronel Blanco, Astros Avoid the Sweep?
Don’t look now, but the Cincinnati Reds are finally above .500 and are looking to sweep the Astros in Houston this afternoon. If I had told you that Cincinnati has a winning record and could potentially sweep the best home team in baseball, you’d say I’m crazy. Everything is coming together for this young core of prospects and young arms.
Astros vs. Reds Start Time and Where to Watch
- Date: Sunday, June 18, 2023
- Start Time: 2:10 pm ET
- Where to Watch: MLB.TV
Houston Astros vs. Cincinnati Reds Prediction
The Reds are catching Houston at the right time. In the middle of a 3-7 stretch, the Houston Astros aren’t seeing the ball great, and the Reds are making them pay for it. On the other hand, the Reds have won seven games in a row and are currently on their hottest streak in years. The Reds haven’t been talked about this much in decades, but this young, exciting core is only getting better by calling up guys like Elly De La Cruz and Andrew Abbott.
You might not recognize the names in this Reds’ lineup, but these guys can hit. TJ Friedl and Matt McLain have been holding it down at the top of the order while Jake Fraley returns from injury. To be honest, they’ve been scoring more with the .300-hitting Friedl and McLain at leadoff and in the two-hole.
Jonathan India is still young compared to most around the league, but he’s been the veteran presence and leader this group of rookies needs, especially while Joey Votto has been out. India has been crushing the ball and is a staple of the Reds' lineup in the three-hole. This top-of-the-order should give Ronel Blanco fits as he makes his third start of the season.
This is a matchup between two teams trending in different directions. The Astros have been slumping, and the Reds are the hottest team in baseball right now. Until they lose, I will be backing Cincinnati on the moneyline to continue streaking. Many will try to “catch the falling knife” by betting against the streaking Reds in Houston, but betting against a winning streak is not a profitable strategy.
There is more to sports than just talent and numbers. There’s a human element to sports, which is what makes it so great. The human element shines when young electric teams like the Reds and Baltimore Orioles have sustained success, like on the Reds’ current seven-game winning streak.
Right now no one thinks they can beat Cincinnati right now, and I’m sure the Reds feel invincible as they continue their greatest stretch of professional baseball since I was born. Continue to back the Reds until the streak dies, and they are still plus money against the slumping Astros.
Houston Astros vs. Cincinnati Reds Pick
Cincinnati Reds ML +130 is currently the best odds. Click here to see which sportsbook has the best odds for this pick
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