The Astros join the Orioles in a possible postseason preview.
I tout the Orioles vs. Astros series as a possible ALDS preview.
It’s somewhat possible that these two clubs could finish the season seeded two and three in the American League. Houston and Baltimore have already met this season, three times in June. The Astros swept the O’s at MMP, and need to win one of the four contests this week in order to claim the season series. Houston won the three games by scores of 14-11, 5-1, and 8-1. Overall, Houston is 45-32 in regular season activity versus the Orioles, a .584 winning percentage that ranks as the Astros’ third-best, after the Los Angeles Angels (124-82, .602) and the Seattle Mariners (126-87, .592)
In the finale, on June 23, Framber Valdez (6-5, 3.68) earned the win, allowing one run on six hits and two walks, with seven strikeouts. He placed 69-of-104 pitches over the plate. Jose Altuve (12) went deep and was one of four Astros with multiple hits, along with Alex Bregman (two singles, two doubles), Yainer Díaz (three singles), and Jeremy Peña (one single, two doubles).
I feel like the energy has been key, the focus has been key and showing up with good vibes and coming to play — Peña
Houston is coming off a three-game series loss to the Boston Red Sox, and are one-third of the way through a stretch of 18 games of consecutive games. In Houston’s only win of the set, the opener on Monday, Yusei Kikuchi earned no decision, going 5 2⁄3 innings and allowing one earned run on six hits and a walk with seven strikeouts and 64-of-99 pitches in the zone. Yordan Alvarez and Victor Caratini finished with three hits each, and Yanier Díaz’ (14) second hit was a walk-off solo home run.
That last at-bat was something that hasn’t happened in my career, so it was something I wanted to enjoy that moment — Díaz
After splitting the first two games of a three-game series against the New York Mets at Citi Field, the O’s lost the finale on Wednesday, 4-3. Jesse Winker walked Baltimore off with a solo home run. Seranthony Domínguez (3-4, 4.40) got the loss while the Orioles’ offense was limited to an Austin Slater (2) home run and a pair of singles.
We’re gonna continue to throw them out there. Whoever’s on the roster. We’ve got eight guys in our ‘pen, and we’re trying to find some guys to get hot for us. — Brandon Hyde
Standings
Houston Astros: 68-58, .540, first in the AL West, 4 1⁄2 games ahead of the Seattle Mariners. Sixth in the AL, currently in the three seed. Eleventh in MLB, one-half game up on the Atlanta Braves. Last 10: WWWWLWWWLL. On pace for 87-75. Fangraphs projects 88-74 and an 88.9 percent chance of making the postseason.
Baltimore Orioles: 74-54, .579, tied with the New York Yankees for the AL East division lead. Third in the American League, one-half game behind the Cleveland Guardians. Tied for fifth in MLB. Last 10: LLWWLLWLWL. On pace for 94-68. Fangraphs projects 92-70 and a 98.0 percent chance of the playoffs.
Gametimes and Starting Pitchers
Thursday, 6:08 PM CT: Spencer Arrighetti (5-11, 5.20) vs. Corbin Burnes (12-5, 3.10)
Friday, 6:05 PM CT: Hunter Brown (11-7, 3.82, unconfirmed) vs. Cade Povich (1-6, 5.77)
Saturday, 3:05 PM CT: Framber Valdez (13-5, 3.20, unconfirmed) vs. Albert Suárez (6-4, 3.18)
Sunday, 6:10 PM CT: Yusei Kikuchi (6-9, 4.37, unconfirmed) vs. Dean Kremer (6-9, 4.30, unconfirmed)