Friday MLB Betting Matchup – Padres vs Astros

There wasn’t a single person in baseball that expected much from the San Diego Padres in 2010, as they came into the season young and inexperienced.

But now, 28 games into the season, the Padres find themselves six games over .500 and in first place in the NL West.

We’ll find out if they can keep it up in Friday night’s baseball betting.

San Diego Padres (17-11 SU, 17-11 R/L, 11-14-3 O/U) at

Houston Astros (9-19 SU, 10-18 R/L, 9-17-2 O/U)

Friday, May 7: 8:05 p.m.

Betting Odds:

San Diego: -1 ½, +130, -120 (Matt Latos-R)

Houston: +1 ½, -150, Even (Bud Norris-R)

Total Runs:

Over 9: -105

Under 9: -115

On Friday, the Padres travel to Houston, to take on one of baseball’s worst teams, the Astros.

The Astros come into this game in the bottom of the NL Central, and are truly abysmal in all facets of the game.

Probably the biggest problem for the Astros, is the offense that ranks 30th in the Major League’s in runs scored a game. Few of the team’s veteran stars have been able to step up, as so far, no one on the roster has hit more than two home runs.

Maybe the only bright spot has been centerfielder Michael Bourn, who has turned into a tried and true leadoff man. On the season, Bourn is hitting .313 and has stolen a National League high 11 stolen bases.

As for San Diego, they are a ragtag group, that seems to get contributions from a different player offensively every single night, with one constant of course. That constant is first baseman Adrian Gonzalez, one of the most underrated players in the game.

Coming into the weekend, Gonzalez has belted six homers and driven in 18 runs, both categories which lead the team. Outfielder Chase Headley leads this team with a .327 batting average, including two hits and an RBI in the Padres win Tuesday against Colorado.

On the mound in this matchup will be two pitchers looking to find their groove. San Diego sends former top prospect Matt Latos to the mound, who is one of the few starters struggling on the Padres staff. On the season, Latos is 1-3 with a 5.47 ERA, and has given up nine earned runs in his last two outings.

Houston on the other hand will send Bud Norris to the mound, who’s been even worse than Latos, if that’s possible. Norris is also 1-3, but boasts a 7.25 ERA. His last outing was his worst, as he allowed seven earned runs in just 4.2 innings in a loss to Atlanta.

Looking at this game objectively, there just doesn’t seem to be a reason to take Houston, making San Diego the play here.

The Padres offense continues to surprise, and going up against the stagnant group in Houston, they should be able to simply outslug them, even if Latos again struggles.

On Friday night, make San Diego your baseball bet. While they’ve been surprising early on, don’t be surprised by the evening’s result. They’ll get the win.

Aaron’s MLB Free Pick: San Diego >> JOIN NOW