MLB Underdog of the Day (Astros Live to Upset Yankees, Take Series on Sunday)

One of the most anticipated series of the 2022 MLB season has not disappointed, as the New York Yankees and Houston Astros have played three close games so far heading into Sunday’s series finale. 

The Yankees rallied from down three runs in the ninth inning to win on Thursday night, but the Astros bounced back with two stellar pitching performances, including a combined no-hitter on Saturday to have a chance to take the four-game set on Sunday. 

New York’s bats have gone a bit cold as of late, but the Astros haven't been crushing the ball either, instead hitting three timely three-run homers in this series. 

On Sunday, Nestor Cortes (6-3, 2.31 ERA) gets the ball for New York against righty Jose Urquidy (6-3, 4.68 ERA). The Astros have found a way to win games even though Urquidy has been ineffective at times, and I think they can again on Sunday. 

Let’s check out the odds from WynnBET and then jump into why this is a great underdog pick: 

Astros vs. Yankees Odds, Run Line and Total

Run Line:

• Astros +1.5 (-135)
• Yankees -1.5 (+112)

Moneyline:

• Astros: +152
• Yankees: -165

Total: 

• 9 (Over -115/Under -105)

Why Astros Are Best MLB Underdog Pick Today 

It’s rare that you’ll see me advocating to bet against the Yankees this season, but the offense has gone dormant in this series against Houston. 

New York has scored just one run, on a Giancarlo Stanton solo home run, over the last 18 innings, and it struggled in Thursday’s 7-6 win until the ninth-inning rally. 

Cortes started the season on fire, but he has cooled down as of late, allowing nine runs over his last three starts (14 innings). Cortes has failed to make it through five innings in two of his last three outings. 

The Astros are middle of the pack against lefties (15th in OPS), but for some reason they love giving Urquidy run support, winning nine of his 13 starts this season despite his 4.68 ERA. Urquidy is receiving an average of 5.85 runs of support per game. 

Houston has value as a sizable dog on Sunday. 

Lean: Astros ML (+152)

Find Peter Dewey’s full betting record here.