Pirates vs Astros Prediction MLB Picks for Today 4/10

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Introduction:

The Pittsburgh Pirates will host the Houston Astros in the first game of a three-game series at PNC Park. The Pirates have started the season strong, with a 6-3 record and a 2-1 record at home. The Astros, on the other hand, have struggled out of the gate with a 4-6 record and a 1-2 record on the road. The game will feature a low-scoring pitcher's duel, as both teams will send out solid starters to the mound.

Houston Astros

Pitching:

Framber Valdez will get the start for the Astros. He has a 0-1 record with a 1.50 ERA and 1.25 WHIP in 12 innings pitched this season. He has given up 14 hits, struck out 13 batters, and walked only one. Valdez is a groundball pitcher, and he will look to keep the ball down and induce weak contact from the Pirates hitters.

Batting:

The Astros' offense has struggled to find consistency this season, with a team average of .240 and only ten home runs. Kyle Tucker has been the team's top performer at the plate, with a .257 average and three home runs. Yordan Alvarez has also been productive, with 14 RBIs and three home runs. The Astros will look to get their offense going against the Pirates, who have a solid pitching staff.

Pittsburgh Pirates

Pitching:

Roansy Contreras will make his second start of the season for the Pirates. He has a 1-0 record with a 1.59 ERA and 0.71 WHIP in 5.2 innings pitched. He has only given up three hits, struck out two batters, and walked one. Contreras has a live arm and has shown good command of his pitches in his limited time in the majors.

Batting:

The Pirates' offense has been productive so far this season, with a team average of .243 and 11 home runs. Bryan Reynolds has been the team's top performer at the plate, with a .405 average, five home runs, and 14 RBIs. Colin Moran has also been productive, with a .316 average and two home runs. The Pirates will look to continue their offensive success against the Astros, who have struggled to keep runs off the scoreboard.

Injuries:

Michael Brantley is on the 10-day injured list for the Astros. Wei-Chieh Huang, Tyler Chatwood, Drake Fellows, Blake Cederlind, and Jared Triolo are all listed as day-to-day for the Pirates.

Prediction:

The Pirates and Astros both have solid starting pitchers, and both teams have struggled to score runs consistently this season. The under of 7.5 runs looks like a good bet, as this game is likely to be a low-scoring affair. Valdez and Contreras should be able to keep the opposing teams' offenses in check, and the game could come down to the bullpens. 

Pick: Under 7.5