As the Texas Rangers have won all three in Houston earlier, if they win just one game at home against the Astros, they win the Silver Boot. I think it is safe to say that the Boot is in the bag.
In the midst of the club’s longest winning stretch since a 14-game run in 1991, the Rangers are 18-4 in June and looking for their ninth win in 10 games over Astros (28-45).
Colby Lewis (7-4, 3.07 ERA) tries for a third straight victory overall and second in as many starts against Houston.
The right-hander struck out nine on his way to a two-hitter in a 5-1 victory in his first start against Houston on Saturday.
Lewis, who spent the past two seasons pitching in Japan, has allowed four runs and nine hits while striking out 24 in 24 innings in winning his last three starts. Lewis is 3-0 with a 1.57 ERA against the NL this season. It should also be noted that Lewis holds the lowest oba (oppenants batting average) in the majors.
Houston’s Brian Moehler (0-4, 5.86) will again oppose Lewis. The right-hander yielded one hit Saturday—a two-run homer—in six innings in taking the loss.
Moehler, 0-3 with a 6.93 ERA in five interleague starts this season, is 9-11 with a 3.89 ERA in 31 interleague starts.
Forecast: Well, it is cloudy outside. Probably gonna get some rain, as it has done so on my already today. But, despite that, the Rangers are gonna win, irregardless of what the actual weather does... Houston brings its best chance in the series with Moehler. Tomorrow is Banks vs Wilson and Sunday is Oswalt vs. Hunter (which isn't a bad matchup, really). And I am sure you're already posing the question, who is Banks? I got nuthin. Never heard of him, his first start for the 'Stros. Moehler gave up one hit last time against the Rangers, a two run HR, so he doesn't give up much, but what he does give up, tends to count. Look for low numbers for both sides in ways of hits and such. The Rangers 'pen is much, much better than Houston's, and that will be the difference maker. Rangers take this one 4-2.
0 Random Thoughts:
Post a Comment