The Houston Astros (36-28) are on the road to face the Cleveland Guardians (30-33) at Progressive Field on Saturday. The Guardians took Friday’s series opener 10-9 in 14 innings.
Reliever Xzavion Curry was credited with the win after throwing one inning. Jose Ramirez went 3 for 4 with a home run and a double in the win. He scored two runs. Jeremy Pena was 4 for 6 with two doubles and one run for the Astros.
ON THE MOUND
J.P. France (1-1, 3.44 ERA) is slated to take the mound for Houston. The RHP allowed one run over seven innings in his last start, a 2-1 road defeat against the Angels on Sunday. He gave up three hits while striking out three and walking one in the no-decision.
RHP Triston McKenzie (0-0, 0.00 ERA) gets the ball for Cleveland. It’s his first appearance of the season against the Astros. McKenzie made two appearances against the Astros in 2022, both as the starter, striking out 11 and walking two over 15 innings (2-0, 0.60).
In his last start on Sunday, McKenzie took a no-decision on the road against the Twins. He threw five scoreless innings and gave up one hit, striking out 10 and walking one in the 2-1 victory.
AT THE PLATE
Over the last five games, Houston has averaged 5.0 runs a game, a small gain compared to their season average of 4.6. Against right-handed pitchers like McKenzie this season, the ‘Stros have a .698 OPS. Yordan Alvarez is the team’s most productive hitter against right-handers with a .948 OPS in 131 at-bats.
Cleveland is averaging 6.2 runs per game in the last five, up from 3.8 for the season, with a better slash line (.281/.335/.476). The Guardians have a .665 OPS against right-handers in 2023, the fifth lowest in the league. With a .930 OPS over 162 at-bats, Ramirez has been their best hitter against right-handers.
HOME AND AWAY
Houston is on a four-game losing streak away from Minute Maid Park, bringing their record to 18-14 in 2023. The ‘Stros have scored 4.7 runs per game away from home while allowing 3.6 runs. Cleveland has won three in a row at their home ballpark.
The Guardians are 15-16 at home this season, averaging 3.4 runs per game while surrendering 4.0. Houston is 7-3 in the last 10 meetings at Progressive Field with an average scoreline of 5.2-2.9.
STANDINGS UPDATE
The Astros are second in the AL West, five games behind the division-leading Rangers. The Guardians are second in the AL Central, one game behind the Twins.
SportsTips’ MLB Pick:
Cleveland Guardians (-150)
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*Odds correct at time of publication, courtesy of BetMGM.
