Lance McCullers (0-1, 5.91 ERA) and the Houston Astros (19-28) meet Kevin Gausman (0-1, 2.70 ERA) and the Baltimore Orioles (26-18) in the last of a three-game series at Minute Maid Park. The Astros won the last game 4-3, and Houston leads the series 2-0. The game starts at 8:10 p.m. ET on Thursday, May. 26 and will air on RTSW and MAS2.
In his most recent outing, McCullers pitched 6.0 innings, giving up two runs, striking out seven and walking three in a 2-1 loss to the Rangers. George Springer (.265, 27 Rs, 9 HRs, 26 RBIs, 3 SBs) went 1 for 4 yesterday with one RBI. The Orioles were victorious the last time Gausman pitched. He pitched well, going 6.2 innings, allowing one run, striking out six and walking one in a 3-1 victory over the Angels. Manny Machado (.307, 35 Rs, 13 HRs, 27 RBIs) went 1 for 3 yesterday with one run.
The odds are even for this game and the Over/Under (O/U) is presently unavailable. Over their past 10 games, Houston’s offense has been playing lights out, averaging 0.0 runs per game, well over their season average of 0.0. The Astros rank fourth in the majors in extra base hits with 154. The Astros are a nightmare on the bases for opponents with an MLB-high 39 steals. Houston’s pitching staff has put it all together in the past 10 games. Its average runs allowed per game dropped to 0.0 during that span, compared to its 0.0 season average. The Astros don’t give up many walks to opposing batters, ranking fourth in the AL with only 2.6 walks allowed per game.
Baltimore has been playing better lately, averaging 0.0 runs per game, more than their season average of 0.0. Opposing pitchers have routinely struggled to strike out the Baltimore batters, who rank second in the AL with 10.1 strikeouts per road game. The last 10 games have really brought the best out of the Baltimore pitchers. They’ve allowed 0.0 runs per game during that span, which is lower than their season average of 0.0.
So far this season, the Astros are 2-0 against the Orioles.
Predictions: SU Winner – BAL
Notes
Baltimore recorded at least two errors for the third time this season.
The Astros managed to give up four walks in their last game. They’ll have to pick it up against the Orioles who are coming in with an 11-7 record against opponents who give up that many walks or more.
It looks like the Astros have a slight leg up on the Orioles, as the Astros have won their last two games while the Orioles have lost their last three.
When they outhit their opponents, the Astros are 11-4. The Orioles have a 17-4 record when outhitting opponents.
Ranking 18th in runs, Houston has earned 189 this season. Baltimore ranks 14th with 196 runs.
Ranking 20th, Baltimore is in the bottom half of the league in walks, notching 135 this season. Houston ranks in the top five with 179.
When the Astros hit at least one home run, they are 16-20. When the Orioles hit at least one homer, they have a 21-9 record.
