Hot-hitting Alex Bregman will be looking to extend his 12-game hitting streak as the Houston Astros (36-24) face off against the Toronto Blue Jays (33-28) at Rogers Centre on Tuesday.
The Astros took Monday’s series opener 11-4, their third head-to-head victory in four games this season. Brandon Bielak went 6.2 innings to get the win, giving up three runs on 10 hits.
Jake Meyers was 4 for 5 with a home run and two RBIs in the win. Yainer Diaz also went 4 for 5 with two doubles and one run. Daulton Varsho went 2 for 4 with a solo home run for the Blue Jays. Kevin Kiermaier added a double and two runs.
ON THE MOUND
Hunter Brown (5-2, 3.61 ERA) is set to take the mound for Houston. The right-hander allowed five runs over 4.2 innings in his last start, an 8-2 home defeat against the Twins on Wednesday. He took the loss, giving up six hits while striking out eight and walking two.
For Toronto, right-hander Kevin Gausman (4-3, 3.03 ERA) will toe the rubber. He has made one prior start against the Astros this season, giving up eight runs (7 ER) over 4.2 innings in a 9-2 road defeat on April 17.
He gave up seven hits and walked two, while striking out five in the loss. In his last start on Thursday, Gausman got the win at home against the Brewers. He threw 6.2 scoreless innings and gave up five hits, striking out 11 and walking two in the 3-1 triumph. The righty leads the AL in strikeouts (100).
AT THE PLATE
Over the last five games, Houston has averaged 6.4 runs a game, up from their season average of 4.6, while performing better across the board (.318/.375/.534).
Against right-handed pitchers like Gausman this season, the ‘Stros have a .714 OPS. Yordan Alvarez is the team’s best hitter against right-handers with a .962 OPS in 123 at-bats.
Toronto is averaging only 3.6 runs per game in the last five, down from 4.7 for the season, despite a higher slash line (.271/.344/.459). The Jays have a .769 OPS against right-handers in 2023, fourth highest in MLB. With a .400 OBP over 126 at-bats, Brandon Belt has their highest on-base percentage against right-handers.
HOME AND AWAY
Houston is on a four-game winning streak away from Minute Maid Park, bringing their record to 18-10 in 2023. The ‘Stros have scored 4.9 runs per game away from home, while allowing 3.3 runs.
Toronto has gone 15-11 in front of their home fans this season, averaging 4.2 runs per game while surrendering 3.8. In the last 10 meetings at Rogers Centre, Houston is 6-4 with an average scoreline of 4.8-3.3.
STANDINGS UPDATE
The Astros are second in the AL West, three games behind the division-leading Rangers. The Blue Jays are fourth in the AL East, nine games behind the Rays.
SportsTips’ MLB Pick:
Toronto Blue Jays (-130)
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*Odds correct at time of publication, courtesy of BetMGM.
