Posted on 5/6/2008 4:13:33 PM

MLB Baseball Betting Action – Washington Nationals at Houston Astros

By Eric Williams

While the Houston Astros, (16-16, 13-19 O/U) enter tonight’s online betting contest riding a three-game winning streak in the BetUS Sportsbook, that includes a solid 8-6 win over the Milwaukee Brewers in extra innings on Sunday and can move over .500 for the first time this season, the Astros will be taking on a red-hot Washington Nationals, (14-18, 13-18-1 O/U) that is riding a two-game winning streak of its own and has won eight of their last 10 games overall including a 5-2 win over the Pittsburgh Pirates on Sunday.

"It's encouraging. We had a tremendous homestand." Washington manager Manny Acta said. "Every single day, we had a different hero. That's what it takes when you don't have a powerhouse."

The Astros say, while they are not overly pleased at this point, they are starting to get comfortable.

"We've been playing pretty good. Offensively, we've been swinging the bats pretty well," Astros first baseman Lance Berkman told the team's official Web site. "So we're back to .500. It's not like it's the greatest thing in the history of the world, but it's a good place to start from."

Tonight, the Astros will hand the ball to veteran right-hander Shawn Chacon (0-0, 3.32 ERA) who is still looking for his first victory of the season in his seventh start for the Astros. Chacon was rocked for five runs on seven hits while striking out seven in five innings as the Astros lost to the Arizona Diamondbacks on Wednesday.

Nationals’ starter Shawn Hill (0-0, 3.50) is also looking for his first victory after making three starts so far this season. Hill pitched an excellent game in his last outing, limiting the Atlanta Braves to just one run on four hits in eight innings, but failed to get a decision as the Nationals came back to win 3-2 in 12 innings.

Here is a look at tonight’s key trends, followed by my analysis and MLB Betting Picks.

The Nationals are 4-0 in their last 4 games as an underdog.

The Nationals are 6-1 in Hills last 7 starts with 5 days of rest.

The Astros are 6-0 in their last 6 home games.

The Astros are 4-0 in their last 4 home games with the total set at 9.0-10.5.

The Under is 4-0-1 in Hills last 5 starts with 5 days of rest.

The Under is 4-1 in Hills last 5 Tuesday starts.

The Over is 5-0 in Astros last 5 home games vs. a right-handed starter.

The Over is 5-0 in Astros last 5 home games vs. a team with a losing record.

The Nationals are 8-2 in the last 10 meetings.

The Over is 7-3-1 in the last 11 meetings in Houston.

Analysis: I’ll keep this pick short and directly to the point MLB bettors. Despite being on the road tonight, I like the Washington Nationals to win this contest by getting another solid outing from Shawn Hill, who should have picked up his first victory of the season in his last start.

NBA Free Picks: Nationals 6 Astros 4

08:05 PM EST MLB Odds

Washington Nationals

Shawn Hill - R +1½ -190

Houston Astros

Shawn Chacon - R -1½ +160

Over 9 -120

Under 9 EV

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