Collin McHugh (9-10, 4.96 ERA) and John Lackey (9-7, 3.36 ERA) start in the second of a three-game series between the Houston Astros (74-67) and the Chicago Cubs (90-50) at Minute Maid Park. The Cubs won the last game 2-0, and Chicago leads the series 1-0. Action begins at 1:05 p.m. ET on Saturday, Sep. 10 and can be seen on FOX.
McHugh pitched 4.1 innings in his last outing, surrendering five runs, striking out three and walking two in a 7-6 win over the Rangers. George Springer (.259, 107 Rs, 26 HRs, 75 RBIs, 9 SBs) went 1 for 4 yesterday. Lackey went 5.0 innings, surrendering two, striking out four and walking one in a 3-2 win over the Giants in his most recent start. Kris Bryant (.302, 113 Rs, 37 HRs, 93 RBIs, 8 SBs) went 1 for 3 yesterday with one run, one home run, and two RBIs.
Notes
When leading after seven innings, Chicago is 48-23, while Houston is 37-29.
The Cubs are coming into this game after allowing no walks during their last outing. The Astros have a 2-9 record when opponents don’t give up any walks.
When they outhit their opponents, the Cubs are 75-15. The Astros have a 53-6 record when outhitting opponents.
Ranking 12th, Houston is in the top half of the league in runs, scoring 647 this season. Chicago ranks in the top five at third with 699.
Ranking 14th, Houston is in the top half of the league for its on-base plus slugging percentage (.746). Chicago ranks in the top five with an OPS of .771.
When the Cubs allow at least one home run, they are 46-40, well-matched with the Astros who are 47-46 when allowing at least one homer.
