Vincent Velasquez (0-0, 0.00 ERA) and Chris Rusin (2-1, 3.38 ERA) start in the second of a two-game series between the Houston Astros (37-28) and the Colorado Rockies (28-35) at Minute Maid Park. The Astros won the last game 6-3 and Houston leads the series 1-0. Action begins at 2:10 p.m. ET on Tuesday, Jun. 16 and can be seen on ROOT-SW.
Velasquez pitched 5.0 innings in his most recent start, surrendering zero runs, striking out five and walking four in a 4-1 defeat to the White Sox. George Springer (.269, 33 Rs, 10 HRs, 23 RBIs, 13 SBs) continued his strong play yesterday, going 3 for 4 with three runs, two home runs, and two RBIs. Rusin went 5.1 innings, surrendering six runs, striking out one and walking two in a 6-0 defeat to the Marlins in his last outing. Nolan Arenado (.270, 32 Rs, 16 HRs, 50 RBIs) went 1 for 4 yesterday with one RBI.
Houston is a -155 favorite against Colorado and the Over/Under (O/U) for this game is sitting at eight runs. The Astros have an overall money line of +625 and a record as the favorite of 16-14. Houston is a disappointing 1-3 as the favorite over its last 10 games. The Astros have no trouble scoring as they rank fifth in the AL in offense with 4.3 runs per game. The Astros lead the MLB in home runs with 88. Houston is one of the best in the MLB in terms of steals, swiping 50 bases. Crossing over to the pitching staff, opposing offenses that come to Minute Maid Park have been stifled by the Astros, who have a team ERA of only 3.31 at home. The Astros are the top team in the league at limiting hits and walks to their opponents, recording a WHIP of 1.16 so far this season.
In games where it is the underdog, Colorado has a 23-23 record and an overall money line of -260. Colorado has had a tough time against teams in the AL, coming in winless. They have a 0-2 record as the underdog and 0-2 SU. Offensively, the Rockies have really sputtered in interleague games. They have decreased their season average of 4.3 runs per game by averaging 1.5 in those contests. The Rockies have a dynamic offense, ranking fifth in the league with 192 extra base hits. The Rockies allow 4.9 runs per game, but does better whenever an AL opponent is on the schedule. They bring that runs allowed average down to 3.5 against teams from the AL. When it comes to preventing batters from getting hits, the Rockies are fifth in the NL on the road with an average of 8.2 hits allowed per away game.
The Astros have the edge in the season series, 1-0. The Astros have a 13-14 record against left-handed starting pitchers on the year, which is what they’ll be facing when Rusin takes the mound. Velasquez (RHP) will be on the hill against the Rockies, who have a 25-26 record against right-handed starting pitchers.
Predictions: SU Winner – HOU, O/U – Over
Notes
When the Astros play into extra innings, they have a 3-2 record. The Rockies are 1-4 when their games exceed nine innings.
The Rockies are coming off of a hot pitching game where they recorded nine strikeouts. The Astros have a record of 22-14 when they are struck out that many times or more.
When they outhit their opponents, the Astros are 24-8. The Rockies have a 21-6 record when outhitting opponents.
Ranking 11th in runs, Colorado has earned 272 this season. Houston ranks fifth with 279 runs.
Ranking 29th, Colorado is near the bottom of the league in walks, notching 136 this season. Houston ranks in the top five at fifth with 207.
When the Astros hit at least one home run, they are 29-16. When the Rockies hit at least one homer, they have a 25-17 record.
