Scott Feldman (5-6, 5.16 ERA) looks for a third straight victory when he takes the ball Today for Texas.
The right-hander allowed three runs in seven innings of a 9-3 win at Houston on Friday - his third consecutive outing allowing three earned runs or fewer after giving up four or more in each of his previous six outings. Those are the only runs he’s given up in 13 innings over his last two starts.
Feldman is 3-2 with a 4.10 ERA in nine career interleague starts. None were against Pittsburgh, but he allowed one run in 1 2-3 innings of relief versus the Pirates in 2007.
Michael Young hit his 10th homer and drove in four runs while Nelson Cruz added three RBIs in Wednesday’s win. The Rangers have scored 64 runs during their winning streak.
The Pirates (25-46), who haven’t won on the road since May 25 at Cincinnati, have not dropped 14 straight away from home since a 19-game skid July 23-Aug. 30, 1985.
Pittsburgh starter Jeff Karstens (2-2, 4.72) will face the Rangers for the first time.
Forecast: My 2¢ on all this is a bit different from most, or at least what I have been hearing about this series. So, first off, what I am hearing is that of the starters for Pittsburgh, last night was the best chance to win a game in the series against Texas. And whatever hip-hop-hooray they say, I like Pittsburgh chances tonight more so than any of the other games. Do not mistake in what I am saying, I still pick the Rangers for tonight, but I think that Pittsburgh has a better chance tonight, statistically, than in the other two games. Why?
For starters, the Rangers tend to struggle against fresh blood and they have not played against Karstens, who is sporting a better ERA over Feldman right now, so even the little mojo ain't quite there. This season, oppenants are pegging Feldman for an even 300 average, however, Feldman has given up 13 hits in his last 13 innings (one per, which is generally around .275 or so, figuring in the double play here and there, but typically between .250 to .300) and has an ERA of 2.07 for his last two games and 2.89 for his last three. And those, by the way, were on the road. He's picking up steam and at a good time.
OK, OK, the Forecast: Like I said, I like the Rangers in this one, but only because they are the better team, as they have better pitching, hitting, and they are at home. I like this one to be close, or at least closer than yesterday's 13-3 blasting. Actually, I pick Karstens to deal the Rangers fits the first time through the lineup. The second time through the lineup, the Rangers will have started to figure things out, and the third time, will probably chase Karstens for a relief guy. Look for a score of something like 6-4, Rangers, with the bullpen handing out two around the seventh or so. Johnny Out.
1 Random Thoughts:
nice job of predicting! the Rangers fell behind early (it is really tough to sweep a series against anyone), but pulled it out late. with thanks to the bullpen for holding down the fort.
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