Lance McCullers (0-0, 9.64 ERA) and Colby Lewis (2-0, 3.12 ERA) take the hill in the first of a three-game series between the Houston Astros (17-25) and the Texas Rangers (22-19) at Minute Maid Park. Action begins at 8:10 p.m. ET on Friday, May. 20 and can be seen on RTSW and FSSW.
McCullers pitched 4.2 innings in his most recent start, surrendering five runs, striking out four and walking three in a 7-6 win over the Red Sox. Jose Altuve (.345, 38 Rs, 9 HRs, 26 RBIs, 15 SBs) went 1 for 4 yesterday. Lewis went 7.0 innings, surrendering two runs and striking out six in a 6-5 win over the Blue Jays in his last outing. Ian Desmond (.275, 30 Rs, 6 HRs, 25 RBIs, 8 SBs) has been successful at the plate for the Rangers, going 2 for 4 Wednesday with one run and one stolen base.
The odds for Houston and Texas are even, while the Over/Under (O/U) is unavailable as of now. Within its division, Houston has a record of 10-9 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. The Astros are one of the best in the MLB in terms of extra base hits with 143. Houston leads the MLB in steals, swiping 38 bases. Houston’s pitching staff has been doing better against opposing offenses during the last 10 games, only allowing an average of 0.0 runs per game, well under their season average of 0.0. The Astros are the fourth-best team in the AL at limiting walks to their opponents, allowing only 2.6 walks per game so far this season.
The Rangers are 4-9 against AL West opponents. Offensively, the Rangers 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 Rangers 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 Rangers have the edge in the season series, 3-0.
Predictions: SU Winner – HOU
Notes
When leading after seven innings, Texas is 10-8, while Houston is 6-12.
Having scored one run in their last game, the Rangers are going to have to step it up if they want to win this matchup. The Astros have a 4-0 record in games where opponents scored one run or less.
When they outhit their opponents, the Astros are 11-3. The Rangers have a 13-2 record when outhitting opponents.
Ranking 12th in runs, Houston has earned 178 this season. Texas ranks eighth with 186 runs.
Ranking 25th, Texas is near the bottom of the league in walks, notching 109 this season. Houston ranks in the top five at third with 169.
The Astros are 14-18 in games where they hit one or more home runs. The Rangers are 16-11 when they hit at least one homer.
