Astros vs. Diamondbacks: Game 2 predictions, odds and picks — Sept 7, MLB 2024

On Saturday, the Astros and Diamondbacks will settle in for the second game of their three-game weekend set. Two of the hottest teams in baseball, both carry the expectation of making it to the postseason.

In the series opener on Friday in Houston, it was all Astros. Yordan Alvarez led the way with a pair of three-run homers as the Astros cruised to an 8-0 victory.

"Astros shutout the Diamondbacks 8-0!!! Magic number is 17" - Michael Schwab

Diamondbacks vs Astros recent form and records

Since Aug. 1, the Astros and Diamondbacks are 21-12 and 20-13, respectively, representing two of the best records in MLB during that time. Despite trailing the Seattle Mariners by 10 games in the AL West as recently as June, Houston's 76-65 record puts them 4.5 games up on Seattle to lead its division. Manager Joe Espada's team is 6-4 over its last 10.

Although the 79-63 D-Backs trail the Los Angeles Dodgers by 5.5 games in the NL West, the Snakes enter Saturday with a game up on the Cubs to hold the third and final NL Wild Card Spot. They are also 4-6 over their last ten.

Diamondbacks vs Astros players to watch

Starting Pitchers

AZ: Eduardo Rodriguez (2-1, 5.33 ERA) vs HOU: Yusei Kikuchi (7-9, 4.24 ERA)

Rodriguez has a 1.382 WHIP, 2.5 BB/9 and 17 K in 25.1 IP.

Last Start: Loss, 4 IP, 7 H, 3 ER, 2 BB, 1 K vs LAD

Career vs HOU: 1-6 7.38 ERA (47 IP, 38 ER) 9 HR in 10 Games

Kikuchi has a 1.248 WHIP, 2.4 BB/9 and 177 K in 150.2 IP.

Last Start: Win, 7 IP, 5 H, 1 ER, 0 BB, 12 K vs KC

Career vs AZ: 0-1 5.75 ERA (20.1 IP, 13 ER) 1 HR in 4 Games

Must-Watch Hitters

Eugenio Suarez remains the hottest hitter on Arizona. The third baseman has hit ,346 with six home runs and 18 RBIs over his last 14 games. The Venezuelan also contributed with three home runs and seven RBIs in his team's recent four game set against the Los Angeles Dodgers.

"Eugenio Suárez since July 1: .302/.357/.637, 18 HR, 55 RBI, 17 2B, 45 R." - PHNX Diamondbacks

Reigning NL Rookie of the Year Corbin Carroll has also been red-hot. A .304 hitter over the past two weeks, the young outfielder has five home runs and 15 RBIs during that span of time.

While first baseman Josh Bell has not contributed much offensively, he owns a .340 batting average over the past two weeks. A career .278 hitter against Houston, watch out for Bell to get something going on Saturday.

On Friday, Yordan Alvarez pelted his 31st and 32nd homer of the season. As such, the big Cuban is now within six bombs of setting a career high. Moreover, Alvarez boasts three homers and eight RBIs in eight career games against Arizona.

An even .300 hitter over the past two weeks, Jose Altuve is once again getting it done. Altuve's 166 hits lead the club this season, as do his 20 stolen bases.

Infielder Mauricio Dubon was responsible for an RBI double on Friday. Six for his last 13, Dubon is six RBIs short of setting a career figure.

Diamondbacks vs Astros baseball betting odds

Saturday 7/9	Money Line	Run Spread	Total Runs
Arizona Diamondbacks	+140	+1.5 -150	O 8 -115
Houston Astros	-165	-1.5 +125	U 8 -105

Diamondbacks vs Astros expert picks and game prediction

Although both teams have been playing some very solid baseball recently, Houston's 8-0 thumping of the D-Backs on Friday certainly made them look superior.

However, over the past two weeks, the 87 runs scored by the Diamondbacks rank second in MLB, behind only the red-hot Chicago Cubs. Moreover, the team's combined .268 average is third in baseball over the last fortnight.

"The @Astros win their 4th straight game and are now 6-0 in games started by Yusei Kikuchi this season." - MLB

The Astros do not trail behind, and Yusei Kikuchi has been brilliant since joining the team at the deadline, and owns a WHIP below 1 in that time. Although the offensive D-Backs may put up a fight, the Astros appear poised to take the second game of the series.

Run Line: -1.5 +125

Total Runs: U 8 -105

Prediction: Astros W, 4-1