Trevor Bauer (10-6, 3.70 ERA) and the Cleveland Indians (80-58) meet David Paulino (0-0, 0.00 ERA) and the Houston Astros (74-65) in the last of a four-game series at Progressive Field. The Indians won the last game 6-5, and Houston leads the series 2-1. The game starts at 12:10 p.m. ET on Thursday, Sep. 8 and will air on STOh and RTSW.
In his most recent outing, Bauer pitched 8.1 innings, allowing three runs, striking out four and walking three in an 8-3 victory over the Marlins. Mike Napoli (.253, 83 Rs, 31 HRs, 92 RBIs, 4 SBs) went 1 for 5 yesterday with one run, one home run, and two RBIs. This is the first opportunity for Paulino to take the mound this season. Jose Altuve (.344, 96 Rs, 22 HRs, 92 RBIs, 27 SBs) has been doing well offensively for the Astros, going 2 for 5 yesterday with one RBI.
Notes
Cleveland has won 53% (29-26) of its games when leading after seven innings. However, Houston has won 57% (37-28) of its games when taking a late lead.
The Astros managed to give up four walks in their last game. They’ll have to pick it up against the Indians who are heading in with a 38-14 record against opponents who give up that many walks or more.
When they outhit their opponents, the Indians are 61-7. The Astros have a 53-5 record when outhitting opponents.
Ranking 12th, Houston sits in the top half of the league in runs, scoring 640 this season. Cleveland ranks in the top 10 at sixth with 677.
Ranking 14th, Houston is in the top half of the league for its on-base plus slugging percentage (.746). Cleveland ranks in the top 10 at sixth with an OPS of .769.
When the Astros allow at least one home run, they are 47-44. When the Indians allow one or more homers, they have a 50-50 record.
