Scott Kazmir (6-7, 2.12 ERA) and the Houston Astros (64-54) go up against Erasmo Ramirez (9-4, 3.59 ERA) and the Tampa Bay Rays (58-59) in the first of a four-game series at Minute Maid Park. The game starts at 8:10 p.m. ET on Monday, Aug. 17 and will air on SUN and RTSW.
In his most recent outing, Kazmir pitched 5.2 innings, giving up two runs (one unearned), striking out three and walking two in a 3-1 loss to the Giants. Colby Rasmus (.239, 43 Rs, 17 HRs, 44 RBIs, 2 SBs) continued his strong season yesterday, going 2 for 4 with two runs, two home runs, and two RBIs. The Rays were victorious the last time Ramirez pitched. He pitched well, going 7.0 innings, allowing zero runs and striking out four in a 2-0 victory over the Braves. Logan Forsythe (.278, 45 Rs, 13 HRs, 51 RBIs, 7 SBs) has been doing well offensively for the Rays, going 2 for 4 yesterday.
Houston, a -159 favorite, will look to capitalize at home against Tampa Bay. The Over/Under (O/U) for the matchup is seven runs. When playing as the favorite, the Astros have a 37-27 record and overall money line at +504. Houston has averaged 3.0 runs per game over the last 10 games, lower than its season average of 4.4. The Astros are a power hitting team with an MLB-best 161 home runs. The Astros are a nightmare for opponents on the bases with 89 steals, one of the highest totals in baseball. Houston’s pitching staff can be considered for best in its league, with an AL-low 3.40 team ERA. The Astros don’t allow many hitters to get on base, ranking third in the league with a 1.19 WHIP.
Moving on to the away team, the Rays come into this game with a win percentage of .468 when playing as the underdog (29-33) and an overall money line of -272. During the last 10 games, they averaged 5.1 runs per game, above their 3.7 season average. Switching gears to Tampa Bay’s pitching staff, they average just 7.9 hits allowed per game, best in the AL. They also have some of the most overpowering arms in the AL with an average of 8.2 strikeouts per game.
So far this season, the Rays are 3-0 against the Astros. This game will feature Ramirez (RHP) on the mound against the Astros, who have a 41-34 record when they take on a right-handed starter. Taking the hill against the Rays will be the left-hander Kazmir. They sport a 20-13 record against southpaws.
Predictions: SU Winner – Hou, O/U – Over
Notes
When leading after 7 innings, Houston is 25-20, while Tampa Bay is 24-22.
The Rays are coming into this game after allowing two walks during their last outing. The Astros have a 16-31 record when opponents give up that many walks or fewer.
When they outhit their opponents, the Rays are 41-17. The Astros have a 45-13 record when outhitting opponents.
Ranking 26th in runs, Tampa Bay has earned 437 this season. Houston ranks ninth with 515 runs.
Ranking 20th, Tampa Bay is in the bottom half of the league in walks, notching 314 this season. Houston ranks in the top 10 at sixth with 360.
The Astros are 52-33 in games where they hit one or more home runs. The Rays are 42-31 when they hit at least one homer.
