Mike Fiers (9-6, 4.41 ERA) and Drew Smyly (6-11, 4.88 ERA) start in the first of a three-game series between the Houston Astros (66-61) and the Tampa Bay Rays (54-72) at Minute Maid Park. Action begins at 8:10 p.m. ET on Friday, Aug. 26 and can be seen on RTSW and SUN.
Fiers pitched 7.0 innings in his most recent start, surrendering one run, striking out seven and walking one in a 12-2 win over the Orioles. George Springer (.260, 94 Rs, 25 HRs, 72 RBIs, 7 SBs) went 1 for 5 Wednesday with one run. Smyly went 6.2 innings, surrendering four runs, striking out seven and walking one in an 8-4 win over the Rangers in his last outing. Evan Longoria (.288, 68 Rs, 30 HRs, 79 RBIs) went 1 for 2 yesterday with one run.
Houston is a -145 favorite against Tampa Bay and the Over/Under (O/U) for this game is sitting at eight runs. The Astros have an overall money line of -900 and a record as the favorite of 46-44. 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. Opponents have consistently been struck out by the Astros, who rank second in the AL in strikeouts per game with 8.7.
In the other locker room, Tampa Bay is coming in with an overall money line of -2,444 and a disappointing record of 22-35 as the underdog. The Rays allow 4.3 runs per game, but have improved upon those numbers in the past 10 games, allowing 2.7 runs per game during that span. The Rays have established a reputation of overwhelming hitters with an AL-best 8.5 strikeouts per game, making them one of the top five teams in the league.
The Rays lead the season series, 2-1. The Astros have a 19-21 record against left-handed starting pitchers on the year, which is what they’ll be facing when Smyly takes the mound. Fiers (RHP) will be on the hill against the Rays, who have a 39-54 record against right-handed starting pitchers.
Predictions: SU Winner – HOU, O/U – Over
Notes
When leading after seven innings, Houston is 32-26, while Tampa Bay is 23-33.
After a weak showing last week where they got in seven hits, the Rays need to step it up. The Astros have a record of 28-16 when opponents get seven hits or less.
When they outhit their opponents, the Rays are 36-11. The Astros have a 50-5 record when outhitting opponents.
Ranking 22nd, Tampa Bay sits near the bottom of the league in runs, scoring 525 this season. Houston ranks in the top half at 13th with 578.
Ranking 19th, Tampa Bay is in the bottom half of the league in walks, notching 371 this season. Houston ranks in the top five with 450.
When the Astros hit at least one home run, they are 57-35. When the Rays hit at least one homer, they have a 46-44 record.
