The Houston Astros are heading into their series against the Mariners coming off a series win against the San Francisco Giants. The bounce back they needed after dropping the series against the Padres.
A strange win, but a win nonetheless. And it is critical they continue to win to ensure they maintain the lead in the AL West. After a rocky start to the season, it's amazing they are in the lead at all.
Now the question is, can they hold on to it?
Series opener:
Friday, Aug 14, 8:10 PM ET at Daikin Park
Astros 62-60, Mariners 56-65
The series is crucial, and after a bullpen game, the pitchers giving the Astros length and setting the tone of the game plays a large role in the success of the entire team.
Here is a look at the projected pitchers for the upcoming series.
Friday Aug. 14: Peter Lambert
Lambert will enter the game with an 8-6 record and a 3.09 ERA on the season.
Peter Lambert has gone 5+ innings in back-to-back starts, but struggled to miss bats last time out (just 3 K in 5 innings against the Padres). That being said, he's been the Astros' most consistent and best pitcher this season. He's had some great starts and some just okay ones, and he's allowed 12 home runs on the season, but he's been steady overall. Keeping the ball in the park will matter against a Mariners lineup that's struck out over 1,000 times.
Saturday Aug. 15: Hayden Wesneski
Wesneski will be making his 4th start of the season. He's been strong so far (18.2 IP, 3.86 ERA, 12 K), though he gave up 2 homers to the Giants last time out. Still a solid return after being out for so long.
Sunday Aug. 16: Hunter Brown
Brown has had a bit of a rough go lately. He's allowed home runs in his last 3 starts, posting a 4.91 ERA in August, but he has a strong track record at home, 8 K in 6 innings in his last Daikin Park start, and holds a 3.68 ERA on the season, per SI.
This rotation depth, especially Wesneski's return, is a big deal for a team chasing a playoff spot. Between Lambert, Wesneski, and Brown, the Astros should be in good shape on the mound. Seattle isn't exactly playing like a true division threat right now, but the Astros have lost to teams they should have beaten and beaten teams they should have lost to. If they get caught sleeping, the series could slip away.
A series win here would be back-to-back series victories for Houston, real momentum heading into the stretch run.