Astros at Rays 10/8/19 - MLB Playoffs Picks & Predictions

Last Updated: 10/08/2019 at 8:43 AM ET

Astros at Rays 10/8/19 - MLB Playoffs Picks & Predictions

Tropicana Field will play host to a Tuesday night clash between the Houston Astros and Tampa Bay Rays. The Astros won the first two games of this best-of-five series at home, but stumbled during a 10-3 road loss on Monday. Houston SP Zack Greinke was roughed up for six runs in three plus innings and took the loss.

2011 MVP Justin Verlander (21-6 2.58 ERA) will come back on short rest to pitch for the Astros on Tuesday. In the series opener, Verlander struck out eight batters and allowed just one hut during a 6-2 home victory.

The Tampa Bay Rays won 48 of their 81 home games during the regular season and can force a winner-take-all matchup in Houston with a win in Game Four. On Monday, Tampa Bay flexed their muscle by crushing four home runs. Kevin Kiermaier’s three-run blast in the second inning put the Rays ahead for good.

Twenty-five year old righty Diego Castillo (5-8 3.41 ERA) will serve as the opener for Tampa Bay in Game Four. Through 68 plus innings this season, Castillo struck out 81 batters and posted a 1.24 WHIP.

Houston SS Carlos Correa (back) started the series opener and went 1-for-4 with three strikeouts. Through 162 regular season games, Houston ranked 1st in OPS and 3rd in runs scored. For the season, Tampa Bay ranked 14th in OPS and 18th in runs scored. Take the under on Tuesday. Final Score Prediction, Houston Astros win 3-2.