In a game that has the potential for a lot of runs, Zack Greinke (6-3, 4.71 ERA) and the Arizona Diamondbacks (23-32) are in Houston to square off against Dallas Keuchel (3-6, 5.58 ERA) and the Astros (25-29). This is the second of a two-game series at Minute Maid Park. The Astros won the last game 5-4, continuing a five-game winning streak. Action begins at 2:10 p.m. ET on Thursday, Jun. 2 and can be seen on FSAZ and RTSW.
Keuchel pitched 7.0 innings in his most recent start, surrendering two runs and striking out five in a 4-2 win over the Angels. George Springer (.290, 35 Rs, 13 HRs, 34 RBIs, 3 SBs) had another good game yesterday, going 2 for 5 with one run, one home run, and one RBI. Greinke went 6.0 innings, surrendering four runs, striking out two and walking one in an 8-7 win over the Padres in his last outing. Jake Lamb (.282, 26 Rs, 9 HRs, 30 RBIs, 3 SBs) went 1 for 5 yesterday with one run, one home run, and two RBIs.
The odds for Houston and Arizona are even, while the Over/Under (O/U) is currently unavailable. In interleague play, the Astros have a 21-28 record SU. The Astros have seen an uptick in scoring as of late, averaging 0.0 runs during the last 10 games compared to their season average of 0.0 runs per game. The Astros are one of the best in the MLB in terms of extra base hits with 176. Houston leads the MLB in steals, swiping 44 bases. Houston’s pitching staff has been doing better against opposing offenses during the last 10 games, only allowing an average of 0.0 runs per game, well under their season average of 0.0. The Astros are the top team in the AL at limiting walks during home games, allowing only 2.2 walks per contest to their opponents this season.
Arizona is 21-27 SU against American League opponents. Offensively, the Diamondbacks have really picked up the pace in the last 10 games. They have exceeded their season average of 0.0 runs per game by averaging 0.0 during that stretch. The Diamondbacks are tough outs for opponents, ranking fourth in the NL with 9.3 hits per game. The Diamondbacks allow 0.0 runs per game, but have improved upon those numbers in the past 10 games, allowing 0.0 runs per game during that span.
The Astros have the edge in the season series, 3-0.
Predictions: SU Winner – HOU
Notes
Houston has won 35% (7-13) of its games when leading after seven innings. However, Arizona has won 40% (10-15) of its games when taking a late lead.
The Diamondbacks are coming off of a hot pitching game where they recorded 12 strikeouts. The Astros have a record of 4-9 when they are struck out that many times or more.
When they are outhit, the Diamondbacks are 2-23. The Astros have a 5-24 record when opponents outhit them.
Ranking 12th in home runs, Arizona has hit 62 this season. Houston ranks seventh with 69 home runs.
Ranking 23rd, Houston is near the bottom of the league in hits, notching 8.06 per game. Arizona ranks in the top five at fourth with 9.35.
Ranking 18th, Houston is in the bottom half of the league for its on-base plus slugging percentage (.726). Arizona ranks in the top 10 at seventh with an OPS of .768.
The Diamondbacks are 9-27 in games where they allow one or more home runs. The Astros are 17-21 when they allow at least one homer.
