A.J. Griffin (6-3, 4.39 ERA) and Doug Fister (12-9, 3.60 ERA) are on the hill in the first of a three-game series between the Texas Rangers (80-54) and the Houston Astros (71-62) at Globe Life Park in Arlington. The Rangers come into this series riding a five-game winning streak. Action begins at 8:05 p.m. ET on Friday, Sep. 2 and can be seen on RTSW and FSSW.
Griffin pitched 6.0 innings in his last outing, surrendering zero runs, striking out six and walking one in a 7-0 win over the Indians. Carlos Beltran (.293, 62 Rs, 25 HRs, 75 RBIs) continued his strong play Wednesday, going 2 for 4 with two runs. Fister went 4.1 innings, surrendering four runs (two unearned), striking out one and walking one in a 10-4 defeat to the Rays in his most recent start. Jose Altuve (.351, 94 Rs, 22 HRs, 89 RBIs, 26 SBs) went 1 for 4 Wednesday with one run and one RBI.
Notes
In their last game, the Rangers won by a margin of 13 runs. The Astros are 4-4 in games decided by a margin of 10 runs or more. The Rangers have a 1-4 record in blowouts.
When leading after seven innings, Texas is 38-27, while Houston is 36-26.
The Astros are coming into this game after allowing two walks during their last outing. The Rangers have a 38-34 record when opponents give up two walks or less.
When they outhit their opponents, the Rangers are 54-9. The Astros have a 52-5 record when outhitting opponents.
Ranking 12th, Houston sits in the top half of the league in runs, scoring 606 this season. Texas ranks in the top 10 at eighth with 635.
Ranking 14th, Houston is in the top half of the league for its on-base plus slugging percentage (.742). Texas ranks in the top 10 with an OPS of .756.
When the Astros allow at least one home run, they are 44-41, well-matched with the Rangers who are 47-44 when allowing at least one homer.
