THE PROFESSOR’S MLB UPPER-DECK BLOWOUT
(MLB) Houston vs. Minnesota,
Money Line: -163.00 Minnesota (Home)
Result: Loss
The Houston Astros did not have a typical Astros season but they were able to make the playoffs for the 4th straight season. They finished in second place in the AL West with a 29-31 record. Houston struggled down the stretch losing 16 of their last 24. The offense was led by Michael Brantley with a .300 batting average, George Springer hit 14 home runs, while Kyle Tucker drove in 42 RBIs. Zack Greinke will get the start for the Astros. On the season, he finished a 3-3 record with a 4.03 ERA.

The Minnesota Twins finished the season a2 36-24 and in first place in the AL Central. They were an impressive 23-7 record at home this season while Houston was just 9-21 on the road. The Twins were just the opposite of Houston, as they were able to win 16 of their last 24 games and overtake the Chicago White Sox in the division. The offense is led by Nelson Cruz led with a .303 batting average to go with 16 home runs. Eddie Rosario drove in 42 for the Twins. Starting pitcher Kenta Maeda finished the season at 6-1 with a 2.70 ERA.

Houston has struggled down the stretch and quite frankly they have struggled all season. Injuries decimated their pitching staff and even making the playoffs with everything going on around them was an achievement. The Twins turned it on down the stretch and the will keep it going in the first round of the playoffs.

Play on Minnesota.