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Astros vs. Twins Prediction and Odds for Thursday, May 12 (Bank on Low-Scoring Series Finale in Minnesota)

By Matt De Saro

Oakland Athletics v Minnesota Twins
Oakland Athletics v Minnesota Twins / Brace Hemmelgarn/GettyImages
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The Minnesota Twins look like a contender for the breakout team of the year. But, don’t expect their success to last.

The only reason the Twins are leading the AL Central is the lack of competition they have faced so far. Before their current series with the Astros, the Twins faced two teams with a winning record. One being the Dodgers and the other being the Rays. The Twins have had the luxury of playing the Royals, Red Sox, Tigers, Orioles, Athletics, Mariners, and White Sox in their early series so far. 

But, Houston showed them what it’s like to play against a good team and shut them out Tuesday night. Justin Verlander nearly pitched a perfect game and the Twins were thoroughly dominated. The Astros entered this series with a seven-game losing streak and don’t show any signs of slowing down. 

Here are the odds for this game, courtesy of WynnBET Sportsbook. 

Astros vs. Twins Odds, Run Line, and Total

Run Line

  • Astros: -1.5 (+135)
  • Twins: +1.5 (-165)

Moneyline:

  • Astros -130 
  • Twins +120

Total:

  • 8.5 (Over -105/Under -115)

Astros vs. Twins Prediction and Pick

The Astros could find themselves in a tough spot if Josh Winder’s strong start continues.

Making his fifth start, Winder enters with a 2-0 record, 1.61 ERA, and 0.72 WHIP in 22 ⅓ innings. After finishing April with a 3.48 ERA, Winder hasn’t given up a run in 12 innings this month. What's even more impressive is that he struck out 15 in that span while walking just one. His efficiency has been through the roof too, with just 163 pitches thrown in his last 12 innings. 

The Astros counter with Luis Garcia; making his sixth start for Houston. Garcia’s ERA isn't as sharp at 3.45, but his WHIP of 0.87 suggests he can lower that ERA in future games. The Twins make for a decent matchup as they rank in the bottom half of the league in batting average, runs per game, and RBIs. 

Despite their strong record, the Astros are not hitting well this year. They rely heavily on pitching and rank 27th in batting average at .217. This lack of offense has led them to be one of the most profitable under-teams in the league. As a road favorite, they are hitting the under at 83.3 percent and 73.3 percent in all games this year.

Similarly, the Twins are failing to go over the total in more than 60 percent of their games.

All signs point to a low-scoring series finale on Thursday. 

Pick: UNDER 8.5 (-115)

Follow all of Matt De Saro’s betting picks HERE

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