Mariners vs. Astros Prediction and Odds for Game 2 of ALDS (Both Pitchers Set to Start Sharp)

Seattle ended its 20-year postseason drought, but got a rude awakening in the ninth inning of Game 1 against AL West foe Houston Astros.

Yordan Alvarez took Robbie Ray deep in the ninth inning for a three-run walk off home run to take a 1-0 series lead in the ALDS. The Mariners turn to Luis Castillo in Game 2 against Houston's Framber Valdez, how will they respond?

Here are the odds for Game 2 in Houston:

Mariners vs. Astros Odds, Run Line and Total

Mariners vs. Astros Prediction and Pick

The Mariners traded for Castillo for spots like this, and he already showed his worth to this club in the Wild Card round, shutting down the vaunted Blue Jays lineup, shutting them out over seven-and-a-third innings.

Now he faces an Astros team that is more disciplined at the plate, sporting a top 10 walk rate and sixth in wRC+. While Castillo hasn't faced the Astros since being traded to the Mariners, he has been a better pitcher in Seattle, lowering his walk rate and raising his strikeout rate. The Astros are going to challenge him, but he has the fastball movement to force the Astros into mistakes and soft contact.

Meanwhile, Valdez has looked great against Seattle all season, pitching into the seventh inning both times and striking out at least seven in both. On the season, the lefty has pitched the most innings in the big leagues at 201.1 and has a 2.82.

Seattle is 23rd in batting average against southpaws and this could be tough sledding for them against an iron man like Valdez. I'll look at the first five under as my favorite play in this one with both pitchers set to shine early. However, I don't want to be involved with this Seattle bullpen after what happened in Game 1.