In a game that could be a shootout, Sean Manaea (5-8, 4.53 ERA) and the Oakland Athletics (57-73) are in Houston to take on Joe Musgrove (1-2, 5.20 ERA) and the Astros (68-62). This is the first of a three-game series at Minute Maid Park. Action begins at 8:10 p.m. ET on Monday, Aug. 29 and can be seen on RTSW and CSCA.
Musgrove pitched 4.0 innings in his most recent start, surrendering five runs and striking out two in a 7-1 defeat to the Pirates. Jose Altuve (.355, 92 Rs, 21 HRs, 87 RBIs, 26 SBs) went 1 for 5 yesterday with one run, one home run, and two RBIs. Manaea went 7.0 innings, surrendering one run, striking out eight and walking two in a 9-1 win over the Indians in his last outing. Danny Valencia (.303, 56 Rs, 15 HRs, 45 RBIs) has been successful at the plate, going 3 for 4 yesterday with two runs and one RBI.
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 28-23 SU. The Astros have seen an uptick in scoring as of late, averaging 6.1 runs during the last 10 games compared to their season average of 4.6 runs per game. Houston is one of the best in the AL in terms of walks at home, earning an average of 3.6 per game. 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 4.2 runs per game. The Astros are the second-best team in the AL at limiting walks to their opponents, allowing only 2.6 walks per game so far this season.
The Athletics are 22-29 against fellow AL West members. The Athletics allow 4.7 runs per game, but have improved upon those numbers in the past 10 games, allowing 2.8 runs per game during that span.
The Astros lead the season series, 7-6. The Astros have a 21-21 record against left-handed starting pitchers on the year, which is what they’ll be facing when Manaea takes the mound. Musgrove (RHP) will be on the hill against the Athletics, who have a 43-52 record against right-handed starting pitchers.
Predictions: SU Winner – HOU
Notes
Houston recorded at least two errors for the 10th time this season.
The Astros are coming into this game after allowing two walks during their last outing. The Athletics have a 21-46 record when opponents give up two walks or less.
When they are outhit, the Astros are 11-54. The Athletics have a 14-59 record when opponents outhit them.
Ranking 21st in home runs, Oakland has hit 141 this season. Houston ranks 13th with 162 home runs.
Houston and Oakland both rank in the top half of the league in hits. Houston sits at 13th with 8.50 hits per game and Oakland ranks 14th with 8.46.
Ranking 27th, Oakland is near the bottom of the league for its on-base plus slugging percentage (.705). Houston ranks in the top half at 14th with an OPS of .743.
The Athletics are 29-60 in games where they allow one or more home runs. The Astros are 44-41 when they allow at least one homer.
