Doug Fister (4-3, 3.86 ERA) and Jesse Hahn (2-2, 4.15 ERA) are on the hill in the first of a three-game series between the Houston Astros (25-30) and the Oakland Athletics (25-29) at Minute Maid Park. The Athletics come into this series riding a five-game winning streak. Action begins at 8:10 p.m. ET on Friday, Jun. 3 and can be seen on RTSW and CSCA.
Fister pitched 6.0 innings in his last outing, surrendering three, striking out six and walking four in an 8-6 win over the Angels. George Springer (.290, 35 Rs, 13 HRs, 34 RBIs, 3 SBs) went 1 for 4 yesterday. Hahn went 6.0 innings, surrendering three runs, striking out five and walking four in a 12-3 win over the Tigers in his most recent start. Danny Valencia (.346, 23 Rs, 8 HRs, 21 RBIs) has been successful at the plate for the Athletics, going 3 for 4 Wednesday.
The odds for Houston and Oakland are even, while the Over/Under (O/U) is currently unavailable. Within its division, Houston has a record of 9-9 SU. The Astros have seen an uptick in scoring as of late, averaging 0.0 runs during the last 10 games compared to their season average of 0.0 runs per game. Houston is one of the best in the MLB in terms of steals, swiping 44 bases. Opposing batters know they’re in for a battle when they play Houston. The Astros are one of the top teams when it comes to pitching, allowing just 3.6 runs per home game. The Astros are the top team in the AL at limiting walks during home games, allowing only 2.2 walks per contest to their opponents this season.
The Athletics are 6-13 against AL West foes. Offensively, the Athletics have really picked up the pace in the last 10 games. They have exceeded their season average of 0.0 runs per game by averaging 0.0 during that stretch. The Athletics allow 0.0 runs per game, but have improved upon those numbers in the past 10 games, allowing 0.0 runs per game during that span.
The Athletics lead the season series, 2-1.
Predictions: SU Winner – HOU
Notes
Houston has won 33% (7-14) of its games when leading after seven innings. However, Oakland has won 41% (9-13) of its games when taking a late lead.
The Athletics managed to give up five walks in their last game. They’ll have to pick it up against the Astros who are heading in with an 11-8 record against opponents who give up that many walks or more.
When they outhit their opponents, the Astros are 17-4. The Athletics have an 18-3 record when outhitting opponents.
Ranking 23rd, Oakland sits near the bottom of the league in runs, scoring 218 this season. Houston ranks in the bottom half at 16th with 228.
Ranking 29th, Oakland is near the bottom of the league in walks, notching 123 this season. Houston ranks in the top five at fourth with 204.
When the Astros hit at least one home run, they are 21-20, well-matched with the Athletics who are 20-14 when hitting one or more homers.
