Dallas Keuchel (13-6, 2.40 ERA) takes the mound for the Houston Astros (62-53) as they meet Alfredo Simon (10-6, 4.74 ERA) and the Detroit Tigers (55-59) in the first of a three-game series at Minute Maid Park. The game gets underway at 8:10 p.m. ET on Friday, Aug. 14 and will air on FSDT and RTSW.
In his most recent outing, Keuchel pitched 7.2 innings, giving up three runs, striking out three and walking two in a 3-1 loss to the Athletics. George Springer (.264, 43 Rs, 13 HRs, 29 RBIs, 14 SBs) went 1 for 2 Wednesday with one run and one stolen base. The Tigers were unsuccessful to the Red Sox 7-6 the last time Simon pitched. He went 6.2 innings, allowing six runs, striking out one and walking one. Miguel Cabrera (.350, 43 Rs, 15 HRs, 54 RBIs, 1 SB) has been hitting the ball well for the Tigers, going 2 for 2 Wednesday with one RBI.
The odds are even for this game and the Over/Under (O/U) is presently unavailable. The Astros have one of the most prolific offenses in the entire AL, averaging 4.4 runs per game. The Astros are a nightmare for opponents on the bases with 86 steals, one of the highest totals in baseball. Houston’s pitching staff can be considered for best in its league, with an AL-low 3.42 team ERA. The Astros are third in the league in WHIP at 1.19.
The Astros will take on a right-hander (Simon) in this game and have a 40-33 record against right-handed starting pitchers this season. The left-handed Keuchel will take the mound against the Tigers, who have a 15-12 record against lefty starters this season.
Predictions: SU Winner – Hou
Notes
Detroit has won 49% (25-26) of its games when leading after 7 innings. However, Houston has won 55% (24-20) of its games when taking a late lead.
The Tigers managed to give up four walks in their last game. They’ll have to pick it up against the Astros who are heading in with a 33-17 record against opponents who give up that many walks or more.
When they outhit their opponents, the Astros are 44-13. The Tigers have a 45-13 record when outhitting opponents.
Ranking sixth, Detroit sits in the top 10 of the league in runs, scoring 500 this season. Houston ranks in the top five at fourth with 502.
Ranking 15th, Detroit is in the top half of the league in walks, notching 322 this season. Houston ranks in the top 10 at sixth with 350.
When the Astros hit at least one home run, they are 51-32. When the Tigers hit at least one homer, they have a 41-28 record.
