A’s-Astros Betting Preview: Cahill’s Splits Can’t Be Ignored

Betting odds: Oakland Athletics at Houston Astros

• Athletics Moneyline: +157 (Trevor Cahill)
• Astros Moneyline: -167 (Dallas Keuchel)
• Over/Under: 8.5 (o-115/u-105)
• First pitch: 2:10 p.m. ET
• Channel: MLB Network

The Oakland Athletics and Houston Astros wrap up a crucial three-game set Wednesday, with the 'Stros trying to extend their lead in the AL West.

A week ago it looked like Houston could have hit a bit of a wall, but then its little engine, Jose Altuve, returned from the disabled list, and a run was sparked. Winning this series would be huge for the Astros and would give them a 2.5-game cushion in the division.

The pitching matchup is where I see the edge. Oakland will send out sinkerballer Trevor Cahill, and the Astros will turn to southpaw Dallas Keuchel.

I'm zeroing in on the A's righty for this play.

Cahill's home-road splits this season are insane. At home, the former second-round pick has a 0.85 ERA and .207 wOBA against in 52.2 innings. On the road, he's been a completely different pitcher.

In 39 innings away from the Oakland Coliseum, Cahill has pitched to a 6.92 ERA with a .356 wOBA against.

This is somewhat confusing considering his sinkerball should be able to play anywhere, but sometimes you can't ignore the numbers, especially since he will face a lineup that is starting to find its groove thanks to Carlos Correa and Altuve getting healthy.

Opposite Cahill, Keuchel is sort of like a fine wine. He's getting better as the season ages.

Over his past seven starts, the bearded hurler has a 2.98 ERA and has held opponents to a .277 on-base percentage. He was last seen holding the Angels to two runs on five hits in seven innings.

One thing to keep in mind is that it is a 1:10 p.m. start local time, so the shadows can be a factor. Still, I think Cahill's splits are where you should focus to play this game.

I think the Astros can get to Cahill early, and Keuchel will take care of the rest to get to the window.

The Bet: Astros -1.5 (+118)