Astros vs Marlins predictions
If you’re looking for some key Astros to watch in this series opener at loanDepot park, José Altuve always comes to mind. The Houston second baseman should keep doing what he does best—consistently getting on base and being a spark at the top of the order. Jeremy Peña is another one to track; he’s been quietly steady all season and you can bet he’ll keep that batting average north of .320. And let’s not forget Yainer Diaz—he’s got power and a knack for driving in runs, so expect him to be in the thick of any Astros rally. Jason Alexander will take the mound for Houston, and even though he’s not a big strikeout guy, he’s solid enough to keep the Astros in the game, especially against a Marlins lineup that can be feast or famine.
Switching over to the Marlins side, it’s all about Kyle Stowers right now. With plenty of pop in his bat and a .296 average, he’s got the ability to shift momentum in Miami’s favor with one swing. Then you’ve got Xavier Edwards, who’s been quietly accumulating hits and causing headaches on the bases with his speed. Sandy Alcantara is the ace for Miami, and you just get the sense he’s going to put together another strong outing—he’s tough at home and usually keeps the run total low, even against a lineup as stacked as Houston’s. If Alcantara is on, the Marlins are positioned well to control the pace of the game.
Trying to call a winner on this one feels like a coin flip, but with Alcantara on the mound and Stowers swinging a hot bat, the Marlins might just have the edge in their own ballpark. Houston is always dangerous and you can never count them out, but Miami’s mix of pitching and timely offense should give them just enough to take the opener. Don’t be surprised if it’s a tight one that comes down to a late-inning swing or a clutch play in the field. That’s baseball, right?
