Collin McHugh (4-4, 5.13 ERA) and Tyler Wilson (2-2, 3.68 ERA) start in the second of a three-game series between the Houston Astros (18-28) and the Baltimore Orioles (26-17) at Minute Maid Park. The Astros won the last game 3-2, and Houston leads the series 1-0. Action begins at 8:10 p.m. ET on Wednesday, May. 25 and can be seen on RTSW and MASN.
McHugh pitched 7.0 innings in his last outing, surrendering two runs, striking out eight and walking one in a 2-1 defeat to the White Sox. George Springer (.265, 27 Rs, 9 HRs, 25 RBIs, 3 SBs) continued his strong play yesterday, going 3 for 4. Wilson went 6.0 innings, surrendering five runs, striking out three and walking three in a 7-2 defeat to the Mariners in his most recent start. Manny Machado (.307, 34 Rs, 13 HRs, 27 RBIs) went 1 for 4 yesterday with one run, one home run, and one RBI.
The odds for Houston and Baltimore are even, while the Over/Under (O/U) is currently unavailable. 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 150. Houston leads the MLB in steals, swiping 39 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 third-best team in the AL at limiting walks to their opponents, allowing only 2.5 walks per game so far this season.
Offensively, the Orioles 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 Orioles can change the game with one swing of the bat, leading the league with 65 home runs. The Orioles 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, 1-0.
Predictions: SU Winner – HOU
Notes
Houston has won 32% (6-13) of its games when leading after seven innings. However, Baltimore has won 71% (12-5) of its games when taking a late lead.
The Orioles managed to give up five walks in their last game. They’ll have to pick it up against the Astros who are heading in with a 9-8 record against opponents who give up that many walks or more.
When they outhit their opponents, the Astros are 11-4. The Orioles have a 17-3 record when outhitting opponents.
Ranking 18th in runs, Houston has earned 185 this season. Baltimore ranks 14th with 193 runs.
Ranking 21st, Baltimore is near the bottom of the league in walks, notching 131 this season. Houston ranks in the top five at third with 179.
When the Astros hit at least one home run, they are 15-20. When the Orioles hit at least one homer, they have a 21-9 record.
