Danny Salazar (3-2, 1.91 ERA) gets the ball for the Cleveland Indians (16-14) as they go up against Doug Fister (3-3, 4.54 ERA) and the Houston Astros (13-21) in the last of a three-game series at Minute Maid Park. The Indians won the last game 4-0, and the series is currently tied 1-1. The game starts at 2:10 p.m. ET on Wednesday, May. 11 and will air on STOh and RTSW.
In his last start, Fister pitched 6.1 innings, allowing three runs, striking out three and walking two in a 6-3 victory over the Mariners. Jose Altuve (.321, 31 Rs, 9 HRs, 22 RBIs, 13 SBs) went 1 for 4 yesterday. The Indians were victorious over the Royals 7-1 the last time Salazar pitched. He went 7.2 innings, allowing zero runs, striking out nine and walking one. Mike Napoli (.236, 18 Rs, 6 HRs, 21 RBIs) has been doing well offensively for the Indians, going 2 for 4 yesterday with one run and one RBI.
The odds are even for this game and the Over/Under (O/U) is unavailable at the moment. Over their past 10 games, Houston’s offense has been playing lights out, 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 an MLB-high 28 steals. Houston’s pitching staff has put it all together in the past 10 games. Its average runs allowed per game dropped to 0.0 during that span, compared to its 0.0 season average. The Astros don’t give up many walks to opposing batters, ranking third in the AL with only 2.6 walks allowed per game.
During the last 10 games, they averaged 0.0 runs per game, above their 0.0 season average. Cleveland’s pitching staff and defense as a whole have been firing on all cylinders so far, ranking fifth in the AL with only three runs allowed per road game. They also allow just 6.4 hits per road game, good for second in the AL.
Predictions: SU Winner – HOU
Notes
When leading after seven innings, Cleveland is 6-3, while Houston is 4-9.
The Indians 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 an 8-11 record against opponents who give up that many walks or more.
When they outhit their opponents, the Astros are 9-3. The Indians have a 10-3 record when outhitting opponents.
Ranking 21st, Cleveland sits near the bottom of the league in runs, scoring 129 this season. Houston ranks in the top half with 139.
Ranking 21st, Cleveland is near the bottom of the league in walks, notching 93 this season. Houston ranks in the top five at fourth with 132.
When the Astros hit at least one home run, they are 10-15. When the Indians hit at least one homer, they have an 8-8 record.
