Mike Fiers (3-1, 4.63 ERA) and Cesar Ramos (0-2, 4.32 ERA) take the hill in the second of a three-game series between the Houston Astros (17-26) and the Texas Rangers (23-19) at Minute Maid Park. The Rangers won the last game 2-1, and Texas leads the series 1-0. Action begins at 7:15 p.m. ET on Saturday, May. 21 and can be seen on FOX.
Fiers pitched 4.0 innings in his most recent start, surrendering two runs, striking out one and walking one in a 10-9 defeat to the Red Sox. Jose Altuve (.343, 39 Rs, 9 HRs, 26 RBIs, 15 SBs) went 1 for 4 yesterday with one run. Ramos went 4.1 innings, surrendering one run, striking out four and walking two in a 7-6 win over the Blue Jays in his last outing. Ian Desmond (.274, 31 Rs, 6 HRs, 25 RBIs, 8 SBs) went 1 for 4 yesterday with one run.
Notes
The Rangers won their last game by a one-run margin. In games decided by one run, the Astros are 5-9. The Rangers are 8-3 in close games this season.
Having scored one run in their last game, the Astros are going to have to step it up if they want to win this matchup. The Rangers have a 7-0 record in games where opponents scored one run or less.
When they are outhit, the Astros are 4-21. The Rangers have a 9-14 record when opponents outhit them.
Ranking 17th in home runs, Texas has hit 42 this season. Houston ranks sixth with 54 home runs.
Ranking 25th, Texas is near the bottom of the league in walks, notching 112 this season. Houston ranks in the top five at third with 169.
When the Astros hit at least one home run, they are 14-18. When the Rangers hit at least one homer, they have a 16-11 record.
