In the second of a three-game series between the Pittsburgh Pirates (62-60) and the Houston Astros (65-60) at PNC Park, Ivan Nova (9-6, 4.83 ERA) and Joe Musgrove (1-1, 4.18 ERA) get the ball. The Astros won the last game 3-1, and Houston leads the series 1-0. The game starts at 7:05 p.m. ET on Tuesday, Aug. 23 and will air on RTSW and RTPT.
In his last start, Nova pitched 4.0 innings, giving up four runs and striking out five in a 6-5 victory over the Giants. Gregory Polanco (.273, 64 Rs, 17 HRs, 67 RBIs, 11 SBs) continued his strong season yesterday, going 2 for 4 with one run. The Astros were unsuccessful against the Orioles 13-5 the last time Musgrove pitched. He went 5.1 innings, allowing eight runs, striking out two and walking one. Jose Altuve (.364, 90 Rs, 20 HRs, 82 RBIs, 26 SBs) went 1 for 4 yesterday.
Pittsburgh is a slight +100 underdog in this game, and the Over/Under (O/U) is eight runs. The Pirates are 29-26 as the underdog and have an overall money line of -157. Over the last 10 games, they have had a very good record when playing as the underdog (5-1). The Pirates have one of the most prolific home offenses in the entire NL, averaging 4.6 runs per game. The Pirates rank fourth in the NL in hits at home with 8.9 per game.
On the other side, the Astros have a record of 46-43 when they are favored and are -897 overall with the money line. Against interleague competitors, they are 9-6 SU and 6-6 as the favorite. They sport the top-ranked offense in the AL, averaging five runs per game. The Astros are known for their bats, hitting 411 extra base hits. The Astros average 3.6 walks per road game, making them the most disciplined team in the AL when they travel. The last 10 games have really brought the worst out of the Houston pitchers. They allowed 5.9 runs per game during that span, which is higher than their season average of 4.2. The Houston pitching staff has been an intimidating group this year, averaging 8.7 strikeouts per game.
The only other game between the two teams went Houston’s way. This game will feature Musgrove (RHP) on the mound against the Pirates, who have a 44-52 record when they take on a right-handed starter. The right-handed Nova will take the mound against the Astros, who have a 46-39 record against righty starters this season.
Predictions: SU Winner – HOU, O/U – Over
Notes
Pittsburgh has won 45% (25-31) of its games when leading after seven innings. However, Houston has won 55% (31-25) of its games when taking a late lead.
The Astros are coming into this game after allowing one walk during their last outing. The Pirates have a 7-15 record when opponents give up one walk or less.
When they are outhit, the Astros are 9-52. The Pirates have a 16-47 record when opponents outhit them.
Pittsburgh ranks near the bottom of the league when it comes to home runs, hitting 113 this season. Houston ranks in the top half at 13th with 156.
Ranking 11th, Houston is in the top half of the league in hits, notching 8.55 per game. Pittsburgh ranks in the top 10 at sixth with 8.78.
Ranking 19th, Pittsburgh is in the bottom half of the league for its on-base plus slugging percentage (.731). Houston ranks in the top half at 14th with an OPS of .744.
The Astros are 41-39 in games where they allow one or more home runs. The Pirates are 32-47 when they allow at least one homer.
