In the first of a four-game series between the Texas Rangers (34-22) and the Houston Astros (28-30) at Globe Life Park in Arlington, Colby Lewis (5-0, 3.09 ERA) and Mike Fiers (3-3, 4.84 ERA) take the mound. The game starts at 8:05 p.m. ET on Monday, Jun. 6 and will air on RTSW and FSSW.
In his most recent outing, Lewis pitched 6.0 innings, giving up zero runs, striking out two and walking two in a 7-3 victory over the Indians. Nomar Mazara (.304, 25 Rs, 10 HRs, 27 RBIs) went 1 for 4 yesterday. The Astros were also victorious the last time Fiers pitched. He pitched well, going 6.0 innings, allowing one run, striking out seven and walking two in a 5-4 victory over the Diamondbacks. Jose Altuve (.330, 44 Rs, 9 HRs, 31 RBIs, 16 SBs) has been doing well, going 2 for 4 yesterday.
The odds are even for this game and the Over/Under (O/U) is currently unavailable. The Rangers have a SU record of 9-13 against teams in their division. The Rangers come into the game with the AL’s third-ranked home scoring offense, averaging 5.4 runs per game in their own ballpark. Texas’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. They have been extremely effective at striking opposing batters out at Globe Life Park in Arlington, leading the AL with 6.9 strikeouts per home game.
Against fellow AL West members, the Astros are 18-10 SU. Houston has been playing better lately, averaging 0.0 runs per game, more than their season average of 0.0. The Astros have racked up 47 steals on the year, making them one of the most threatening base-running teams in the league. The last 10 games have really brought the best out of the Houston pitchers. They’ve allowed 0.0 runs per game during that span, which is lower than their season average of 0.0.
The Rangers had their way with the Astros in their previous six games this season, winning them all
Predictions: SU Winner – TEX
Notes
Houston has won 39% (9-14) of its games when leading after seven innings. However, Texas has won 65% (17-9) of its games when taking a late lead.
The Astros managed to give up four walks in their last game. They’ll have to pick it up against the Rangers who are heading in with a 12-4 record against opponents who give up that many walks or more.
When they outhit their opponents, the Astros are 19-4. The Rangers have a 21-2 record when outhitting opponents.
Ranking 14th, Houston sits in the top half of the league in runs, scoring 251 this season. Texas ranks in the top 10 at seventh with 270.
Ranking 25th, Texas is near the bottom of the league in walks, notching 147 this season. Houston ranks in the top five at third with 220.
When the Rangers hit at least one home run, they are 26-13. When the Astros hit at least one homer, they have a 24-20 record.
