In a game that has the potential for a lot of runs, Collin McHugh (6-3, 5.08 ERA) and the Houston Astros (39-28) are in Colorado to square off against David Hale (2-1, 4.56 ERA) and the Rockies (28-37). This is the second of a two-game series at Coors Field. The Astros won the last game 8-4 and Houston leads the series 1-0. Action begins at 3:10 p.m. ET on Thursday, Jun. 18 and can be seen on ROOT-SW and ROOT-RM.
Hale pitched 6.0 innings in his most recent start, surrendering four runs, striking out five and walking three in a 4-1 defeat to the Marlins. Nolan Arenado (.278, 34 Rs, 16 HRs, 51 RBIs) had another good game yesterday, going 2 for 4 with one run and one RBI. Against the Rockies, McHugh is 0-0 with a 0.00 ERA, 0.43 WHIP, and nine strikeouts. George Springer (.274, 35 Rs, 10 HRs, 24 RBIs, 13 SBs) has been successful at the plate for the Astros, going 3 for 5 yesterday with one run and one RBI.
Houston takes on Colorado as a -121 favorite. The Over/Under (O/U) for the matchup is sitting at 10 runs. The Rockies have an overall money line of -565 and a record as the underdog of 23-25. Against the AL, they are winless both as the underdog (0-4), and SU (0-5). The Rockies have no trouble scoring as they lead the NL in home offense with 5.2 runs per home game. The Rockies lead the NL in hits at home with an impressive 10.4 per game. Colorado’s batters do not strike out very often at home, with only 6.6 per game. Colorado’s pitchers fall apart when American League teams are on the field. Its average runs allowed per game rises to 5.8 against AL teams, compared to its 5.0 season average.
In games where it is the favorite, Houston has a 18-14 record and an overall money line of +925. Houston has put in a great performance against National League opponents, coming in with a nice record SU ({betdsi.at.nl.su_record}) and as the favorite (3-1). Offensively, they average four runs per game on the road, which is second in the AL. The Astros are tough outs for opponents, ranking fourth in the AL with 8.7 hits per road game. The Astros are an excellent base stealing team with 53 stolen bases, ranking third in the MLB. When it comes to preventing batters from getting on base, the Astros are the best in the league with a WHIP of 1.16 for the season.
The Astros have the edge in the season series, 3-0. The Rockies have a 25-27 record against right-handed starting pitchers on the year, which is what they’ll be facing when McHugh takes the mound. Hale (RHP) will be on the hill against the Astros, who have a very good 25-14 record against right-handed starting pitchers.
Predictions: SU Winner – HOU, O/U – Over
Notes
The Astros are 3-2 in games that go into extra innings. Meanwhile, the Rockies are 1-4 in such matchups.
The Astros are coming into this game after allowing zero walks during their last outing. The Rockies have a 2-6 record when opponents give up that many walks.
When they are outhit, the Rockies are 4-25. The Astros have a 9-19 record when opponents outhit them.
Ranking first in home runs, Houston has hit 95 this season. Colorado ranks seventh with 72 home runs.
Ranking 13th, Houston is in the top half of the league in hits, notching 7.92 per game. Colorado ranks in the top five at third with 9.19.
Ranking sixth, Houston is in the top 10 of the league for its on-base plus slugging percentage (.734). Colorado ranks in the top five at fourth with an OPS of .743.
The Astros are 14-20 in games where they allow one or more home runs. The Rockies are 12-27 when they allow at least one homer.
