Robbie Ray (2-4, 4.67 ERA) and the Arizona Diamondbacks (23-31) are in Houston to meet Mike Fiers (3-3, 5.20 ERA) and the Astros (24-29) in a matchup that has the potential for plenty of offense. This is the first of a two-game series at Minute Maid Park. The game gets underway at 8:10 p.m. ET on Wednesday, Jun. 1 and will air on FSAZ and RTSW.
In his last start, Fiers pitched 3.2 innings, giving up seven runs, striking out one and walking two in a 7-2 loss to the Angels. George Springer (.288, 34 Rs, 12 HRs, 33 RBIs, 3 SBs) continued his strong season yesterday, going 3 for 4 with two runs, one home run, and four RBIs. The Diamondbacks were unsuccessful against the Padres 10-3 the last time Ray pitched. He went 4.2 innings, allowing five runs, striking out eight and walking two. Jake Lamb (.284, 25 Rs, 8 HRs, 28 RBIs, 3 SBs) has been hitting the ball well for the Diamondbacks, going 2 for 5 yesterday with one RBI.
Oddsmakers have deemed this game an even matchup and the Over/Under (O/U) is currently unavailable. The Astros have a 21-28 record SU against the NL. Houston has averaged 0.0 runs per game over the last 10 games, higher than its season average of 0.0. The Astros are a dangerous hitting team with 170 extra base hits, one of the highest totals in the MLB. They have been a terror on the base paths, ranking second in all of baseball with 42 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 are the best in the AL in walks allowed at home, giving up just 2.2 per game.
Against teams in the American League, the Diamondbacks are 21-27 SU. Arizona has been playing better lately, averaging 0.0 runs per game, more than their season average of 0.0. One of the top hitting teams in the NL are the Diamondbacks, who average 9.4 hits per game. Arizona’s pitching staff has allowed an average of 0.0 runs per game during the last 10 games, lower than their season average of 0.0.
The previous two games have all gone Houston’s way.
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 Diamondbacks who are coming in with a 10-4 record against opponents who give up that many walks or more.
It looks like the Astros have a slight leg up on the Diamondbacks, as the Astros have won their last four games while the Diamondbacks have lost their last two.
When they outhit their opponents, the Diamondbacks are 16-7. The Astros have a 16-4 record when outhitting opponents.
Ranking 14th in runs, Houston has earned 223 this season. Arizona ranks seventh with 247 runs.
Ranking 15th, Arizona is in the top half of the league in walks, notching 163 this season. Houston ranks in the top five at third with 201.
The Astros are 20-20 in games where they hit one or more home runs. The Diamondbacks are 19-18 when they hit at least one homer.
