Mike Fiers (3-3, 5.00 ERA) and the Houston Astros (29-34) are in Tampa Bay to go up against Chris Archer (4-7, 4.73 ERA) and the Rays (28-31) in a game that could have plenty of offense. This is the second of a three-game series at Tropicana Field. The Rays won the last game 4-3, and Tampa Bay leads the series 1-0. The game gets underway at 4:10 p.m. ET on Saturday, Jun. 11 and will air on RTSW and SUN.
In his last start, Archer pitched 6.0 innings, giving up three runs, striking out 12 and walking three in a 6-4 victory over the Diamondbacks. Steve Pearce (.333, 20 Rs, 8 HRs, 23 RBIs) continued his strong season yesterday, going 3 for 4 with two RBIs. The Astros were unsuccessful the last time Fiers pitched. He struggled, going 5.1 innings, allowing four runs, striking out two and walking one in a 6-5 loss to the Rangers. Jose Altuve (.340, 46 Rs, 10 HRs, 37 RBIs, 18 SBs) has been doing well offensively for the Astros, going 2 for 4 yesterday.
Notes
Houston has won 40% (10-15) of its games when leading after seven innings. However, Tampa Bay has won 50% (12-12) of its games when taking a late lead.
The Astros managed to give up five walks in their last game. They’ll have to pick it up against the Rays who are heading in with a 10-5 record against opponents who give up that many walks or more.
When they are outhit, the Rays are 5-23. The Astros have a 7-28 record when opponents outhit them.
Ranking eighth in home runs, Houston has hit 77 this season. Tampa Bay ranks third with 88 home runs.
Ranking 17th, Tampa Bay is in the bottom half of the league in walks, notching 183 this season. Houston ranks in the top five at second with 246.
The Rays are 24-22 when they hit at least one home run. The Astros perform similarly when they hit one or more homers with a 25-23 record.
