Mike Fiers (5-9, 4.03 ERA) and Matt Boyd (1-3, 7.11 ERA) take the hill in the last of a three-game series between the Houston Astros (63-54) and the Detroit Tigers (56-60) at Minute Maid Park. The Tigers won the last game 4-2 and the series is currently tied 1-1. Action begins at 2:10 p.m. ET on Sunday, Aug. 16 and can be seen on FSDT and RTSW.
Fiers pitched 6.2 innings in his most recent start, surrendering one run, striking out four and walking one in a 5-4 defeat to the Athletics. George Springer (.264, 43 Rs, 13 HRs, 29 RBIs, 14 SBs) went 1 for 2 yesterday with one run and one stolen base. Boyd went 5.1 innings, surrendering three runs, striking out six and walking one in a 4-0 defeat to the Royals in his last outing. Miguel Cabrera (.349, 43 Rs, 15 HRs, 54 RBIs, 1 SB) has been successful at the plate for the Tigers, going 2 for 4 yesterday.
This one isn’t expected to be close when Houston, a substantial -185 favorite, takes on Detroit. The Over/Under (O/U) is sitting at eight runs for this matchup. The Astros have an overall money line of +547 and a record as the favorite of 36-26. The Astros have no trouble scoring as they rank fifth in the AL in offense with 4.4 runs per game. Houston is one of the best in the MLB in terms of steals, swiping 89 bases. Crossing over to the pitching staff, opposing offenses have been stifled by the Astros, who have a team ERA of only 3.40. The Astros are the third-best team in the league at limiting hits and walks to their opponents, recording a WHIP of 1.19 so far this season.
In games where it is the underdog, Detroit has a 23-34 record and an overall money line of -654. Offensively, the Tigers have really sputtered in the last 10 games. They have decreased their season average of 4.4 runs per game by averaging 3.1 during that stretch.
The Astros have a 22-20 record against left-handed starting pitchers on the year, which is what they’ll be facing when Boyd takes the mound. Fiers (RHP) will be on the hill against the Tigers, who have a 40-47 record against right-handed starting pitchers.
Predictions: SU Winner – Hou, O/U – Over
Notes
The Astros managed to give up four walks in their last game. They’ll have to pick it up against the Tigers who are coming in with a 19-17 record against opponents who give up that many walks or more.
When they are outhit, the Tigers are 7-44. The Astros have a 12-39 record when opponents outhit them.
Ranking first in home runs, Houston has hit 159 this season. Detroit ranks 12th with 113 home runs.
Ranking first in hits, Detroit has earned 9.42 per game this season. Houston ranks 15th with 8.08 hits.
Ranking 10th, Houston is in the top 10 of the league for its on-base plus slugging percentage (.732). Detroit ranks in the top five at fifth with an OPS of .753.
When the Tigers allow at least one home run, they are 27-47, well-matched with the Astros who are 22-37 when allowing at least one homer.
