Collin McHugh (13-6, 4.22 ERA) and Justin Verlander (1-5, 4.57 ERA) are on the hill in the second of a three-game series between the Houston Astros (63-53) and the Detroit Tigers (55-60) at Minute Maid Park. The Astros won the last game 5-1 and Houston leads the series 1-0. Action begins at 7:10 p.m. ET on Saturday, Aug. 15 and can be seen on FSDT and RTSW.
McHugh pitched 6.0 innings in his most recent start, surrendering two runs, striking out eight and walking three in a 2-1 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. Verlander went 6.0 innings, surrendering zero runs (two unearned), striking out seven and walking three in a 7-2 defeat to the Red Sox in his last outing.
Houston is a -146 favorite against Detroit and the Over/Under (O/U) for this game is sitting at eight runs. The Astros have an overall money line of +447 and a record as the favorite of 35-26. 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. Turning to the pitchers, opposing offenses have been stifled by the Astros, who have a team ERA of only 3.42. 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 23-33 record and an overall money line of -554.
The Astros lead the season series, 3-2. The Astros have a 40-33 record against right-handed starting pitchers on the year, which is what they’ll be facing when Verlander takes the mound. McHugh (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 are coming into this game after allowing one walk during their last outing. The Tigers have an 11-20 record when opponents give up that many walks or fewer.
When they are outhit, the Tigers are 7-44. The Astros have a 12-38 record when opponents outhit them.
Ranking first in home runs, Houston has hit 158 this season. Detroit ranks 11th with 113 home runs.
Ranking first in hits, Detroit has earned 9.45 per game this season. Houston ranks 15th with 8.08 hits.
Ranking eighth, Houston is in the top 10 of the league for its on-base plus slugging percentage (.734). Detroit ranks in the top five at fifth with an OPS of .755.
The Tigers are 26-47 when they allow at least one home run. The Astros perform similarly when they allow one or more homers with a 22-37 record.
