In the last of a three-game series between the Houston Astros (9-18) and the Minnesota Twins (8-19) at Minute Maid Park, Mike Fiers (2-1, 4.97 ERA) and Phil Hughes (1-4, 4.45 ERA) get the start. The Astros won the last game 6-4, and the series is currently tied 1-1. The game gets underway at 8:10 p.m. ET on Wednesday, May. 4 and will air on RTSW and FSN.
In his most recent outing, Fiers pitched 7.0 innings, giving up two runs and striking out five in a 7-4 loss to the Athletics. The Twins were unsuccessful against the Tigers 9-2 the last time Hughes pitched. He went 5.0 innings, allowing four runs, striking out two and walking two. Byung Ho Park (.250, 11 Rs, 7 HRs, 12 RBIs) went 1 for 4 yesterday with one run, one home run, and one RBI.
The odds are even for this game and the Over/Under (O/U) is currently unavailable. Over their past 10 games, Houston’s offense has been playing lights out, averaging 0.0 runs per game, well over their season average of 0.0. They have been a terror on the base paths, ranking third in all of baseball with 20 steals. Over their past 10 games, Houston’s pitchers have been playing lights out, only allowing 0.0 runs per game, below their season average of 0.0.
Minnesota has been playing better lately, averaging 0.0 runs per game, more than their season average of 0.0. The Twins average just 11.7 strikeouts per road game, good for least in the AL. The last 10 games have really brought the best out of the Minnesota pitchers. They’ve allowed 0.0 runs per game during that span, which is lower than their season average of 0.0.
Predictions: SU Winner – HOU
Notes
The Astros are coming into this game after allowing two walks during their last outing. The Twins have a 2-9 record when opponents give up two walks or less.
When they are outhit, the Twins are 2-15. The Astros have a 3-14 record when opponents outhit them.
Ranking 18th in home runs, Minnesota has hit 24 this season. Houston ranks seventh with 34 home runs.
Ranking 29th, Houston is near the bottom of the league in hits, notching 7.33 per game. Minnesota ranks in the top half with 8.30.
Ranking 21st, Minnesota is near the bottom of the league for its on-base plus slugging percentage (.695). Houston ranks in the top half at 14th with an OPS of .721.
The Twins are 5-13 when they allow at least one home run. The Astros perform similarly when they allow one or more homers with a 6-14 record.
