Collin McHugh (2-3, 6.65 ERA) and the Houston Astros (8-18) meet Alex Meyer (0-0, 18.00 ERA) and the Minnesota Twins (8-18) in the second of a three-game series at Minute Maid Park. The Twins won the last game 6-2, and Minnesota leads the series 1-0. The game starts at 8:10 p.m. ET on Tuesday, May. 3 and will air on RTSW and FSN.
In his most recent outing, McHugh pitched 5.0 innings, allowing two runs, striking out three and walking one in a 7-4 victory over the Mariners. Jose Altuve (.301, 21 Rs, 7 HRs, 14 RBIs, 9 SBs) went 1 for 5 yesterday. The Twins were unsuccessful against the Tigers 9-2 the last time Meyer pitched. He went 1.0 inning, allowing two runs, striking out one and walking one. Byung Ho Park (.250, 10 Rs, 6 HRs, 11 RBIs) has been doing well offensively for the Twins, going 2 for 3 yesterday with one run and two RBIs.
The odds are even for this game and the Over/Under (O/U) is currently unavailable. The most recent 10-game stretch for the Astros has gone great. Over that span, Houston is averaging 0.0 runs per game, well over their season average of 0.0. The Astros are a nightmare on the bases for opponents with 19 steals, one of the highest totals in baseball. The most recent 10 game stretch for Houston’s pitching staff has gone great. Over that span, Houston’s opponents are averaging 0.0 runs per game, below their season average of 0.0.
Minnesota has been playing better lately, averaging 0.0 runs per game, more than their season average of 0.0. The Twins average just 12.0 strikeouts per road game, good for least in the AL. The last 10 games have really brought the best out of the Minnesota pitchers. They’ve allowed 0.0 runs per game during that span, which is lower than their season average of 0.0.
So far this season, the Twins are 1-0 against the Astros.
Predictions: SU Winner – HOU
Notes
The Astros managed to give up five walks in their last game. They’ll have to pick it up against the Twins who are coming in with a 3-4 record against opponents who give up that many walks or more.
When they are outhit, the Twins are 2-15. The Astros have a 2-14 record when opponents outhit them.
Ranking 20th in home runs, Minnesota has hit 22 this season. Houston ranks sixth with 32 home runs.
Ranking 29th, Houston is near the bottom of the league in hits, notching 7.42 per game. Minnesota ranks in the top half at 14th with 8.35.
Ranking 21st, Minnesota is near the bottom of the league for its on-base plus slugging percentage (.696). Houston ranks in the top half at 14th with an OPS of .719.
The Twins are 5-12 when they allow at least one home run. The Astros perform similarly when they allow one or more homers with a 5-14 record.
