Pirates at Astros 6/25/19 - MLB Picks & Predictions

The Pittsburgh Pirates open a three-game interleague series on the road Tuesday against the Houston Astros. Pittsburgh won its fourth straight on Sunday with an 11-10 victory in 11 innings over the San Diego Padres. Kevin Newman drew a bases loaded walk in the 11th to give the Pirates the walk-off win on Sunday capping a four-run rally by the Pirates.

Houston snapped its seven-game losing streak on Sunday with a 9-4 win over the New York Yankees. Jose Altuve belted a leadoff home run while Yordan Alvarez and Yuli Gurriel went yard as well in the Astros win. Justin Verlander improved to 10-3 on the season after allowing four hits and three runs while striking out nine and walking two. Josh Bell leads the Pirates with a .315 batting average, in hits with 91, home runs with 20 and RBIs with 66. Pittsburgh is averaging .263 at the plate while opponents are averaging .262. On Tuesday, the Pirates will send Trevor Williams to the mound. The right-hander is 2-1 with an ERA of 4.12, 49 Ks and 10 BBs.

Michael Brantley leads Houston with a .322 batting average and in hits with 95. Alex Bregman leads in home runs with 21 and RBIs with 51. Houston has a .267 batting average while opponents are averaging .215. On Tuesday, the Astros will send Gerrit Cole to the mound. The right-hander is 6-5 with an ERA of 3.54, 148 Ks and 25 BBs.