Michael Pineda (9-7, 3.97 ERA) and Collin McHugh (13-7, 3.96 ERA) take the hill in the last of a three-game series between the New York Yankees (69-55) and the Houston Astros (69-57) at Yankee Stadium. The Astros won the last game 15-1 and the series is currently tied 1-1. Action begins at 1:05 p.m. ET on Wednesday, Aug. 26 and can be seen on YES, RTSW and MLBN.
Pineda pitched 5.2 innings in his most recent start, surrendering five runs and striking out four in a 10-1 defeat to the Twins. McHugh went 7.0 innings, surrendering one run, striking out five and walking two in a 1-0 defeat to the Rays in his last outing. George Springer (.264, 43 Rs, 13 HRs, 29 RBIs, 14 SBs) went 1 for 2 yesterday with one run and one stolen base.
New York is a -148 favorite against Houston and the Over/Under (O/U) for this game is sitting at seven runs. The Yankees have recorded an overall money line of +291 and have shown high-level performance as a favorite this season with a record of 44-29. The Yankees are one of the best in the MLB in terms of home runs with 164. As for the pitchers, opponents have consistently been struck out by the Yankees, who rank second in the AL in strikeouts per game with 8.4.
In games where it is the underdog, Houston has a 29-28 record and an overall money line of +692. Offensively, the Astros have really sputtered in the last 10 games. They have decreased their season average of 4.2 runs per game by averaging 2.5 during that stretch. The Astros can change the game with one swing of the bat, leading the league with 172 home runs. The Astros are an excellent base stealing team with 95 stolen bases, ranking third in the MLB. When it comes to preventing batters from getting on base, the Astros are one of the best in the league with a WHIP of 1.18 for the season.
The Yankees have a 47-42 record against right-handed starting pitchers on the year, which is what they’ll be facing when McHugh takes the mound. Pineda (RHP) will be on the hill against the Astros, who have a 44-37 record against right-handed starting pitchers.
Predictions: SU Winner – NYY, O/U – Over
Notes
After last game’s shutout win against the Houston, the Yankees now have two shutouts this season. The Astros have been shut out in eight games this season.
Having scored zero runs in their last game, the Yankees are going to have to up their game if they want to win this matchup. The Astros have a 12-0 record in games where opponents scored that many runs.
When they are outhit, the Yankees are 13-43. The Astros have a 13-42 record when opponents outhit them.
Ranking first in home runs, Houston has hit 169 this season. New York ranks third with 164 home runs.
Ranking 15th, Houston is in the top half of the league in hits, notching 8.00 per game. New York ranks in the top five at fifth with 8.73.
Ranking 12th, Houston is in the top half of the league for its on-base plus slugging percentage (.724). New York ranks in the top five at fourth with an OPS of .752.
The Astros are 24-38 in games where they allow one or more home runs. The Yankees are 34-42 when they allow at least one homer.
