Chris Tillman (15-4, 3.46 ERA) and Mike Fiers (8-6, 4.66 ERA) start in the third of a four-game series between the Baltimore Orioles (67-54) and the Houston Astros (62-60) at Camden Yards. The Astros won the last game 15-8, and the series is currently tied 1-1. Action begins at 7:05 p.m. ET on Saturday, Aug. 20 and can be seen on RTSW and MAS2.
Tillman pitched 7.0 innings in his most recent start, surrendering two runs and striking out four in a 9-6 win over the Athletics. Mark Trumbo (.257, 69 Rs, 36 HRs, 89 RBIs, 1 SB) went 1 for 3 yesterday with two runs, one home run, and one RBI. Fiers went 4.2 innings, surrendering five runs, striking out seven and walking two in a 9-2 defeat to the Blue Jays in his last outing. Jose Altuve (.365, 88 Rs, 20 HRs, 80 RBIs, 26 SBs) has been successful at the plate for the Astros, going 3 for 6 yesterday with one run, one home run, and five RBIs.
Baltimore is a -138 favorite against Houston and the Over/Under (O/U) for this game is sitting at nine runs. The Orioles have recorded an overall money line of +1,266 and have shown high-level performance as a favorite this season with a record of 45-21. The Orioles have no trouble scoring as they rank fourth in the AL in home offense with 5.0 runs per game. The Orioles are one of the best in the AL in terms of hits with an impressive 9.0 per game.
In games where it is the underdog, Houston has a 17-17 record and an overall money line of -1,348. They played poorly as the underdog over their last 10 games with a 1-3 record and a 4-6 record SU. Houston is excellent at drawing walks with 3.5 per game, ranking second in the AL. The Astros allow 4.2 runs per game, but have damaged those numbers in the past 10 games, allowing 6.2 runs per game during that span. The Astros have established a reputation of overwhelming hitters with an AL-best 8.7 strikeouts per game, making them one of the top five teams in the league.
The Astros lead the season series, 4-1. The Orioles have a 50-36 record against right-handed starting pitchers on the year, which is what they’ll be facing when Fiers takes the mound. Tillman (RHP) will be on the hill against the Astros, who have a 43-39 record against right-handed starting pitchers.
Predictions: SU Winner – BAL, O/U – Over
Notes
The Orioles managed to give up five walks in their last game. They’ll have to pick it up against the Astros who are coming in with a 29-14 record against opponents who give up that many walks or more.
When they are outhit, the Astros are 9-52. The Orioles have a 17-41 record when opponents outhit them.
Ranking first in home runs, Baltimore has hit 188 this season. Houston ranks 13th with 150 home runs.
Ranking 13th, Houston is in the top half of the league in hits, notching 8.42 per game. Baltimore ranks in the top five at fourth with 9.03.
Ranking 15th, Houston is in the top half of the league for its on-base plus slugging percentage (.741). Baltimore ranks in the top five with an OPS of .776.
When the Astros allow at least one home run, they are 39-39. When the Orioles allow one or more homers, they have a 39-42 record.
