Astros’ Keuchel aims to stifle Cardinals
The schedule-makers dealt the Astros a brutal August hand. A.J. Hinch’s squad currently isn’t doing itself any favors, though, with some shoddy play across the board.
Houston kicks off a two-game interleague set against St. Louis tonight, with an 8:10 p.m. ET first pitch in the Lone Star State. Online sports book BetDSI gives the Stros odds of -175 to take care of business. Conversely, the Cardinals enter Minute Maid Park as +155 underdogs. The over/run total rests at 7.5.
Having dropped the final two contests of their series in Toronto, the hosts desperately need ace Dallas Keuchel (7-11, 4.56 ERA) to step up this evening. The reigning AL Cy Young Award winner holds a 1-2 mark with a sub-1.10 WHIP and 22 strikeouts since the All-Star break. Most recently, he held the Rangers to three hits in nine scintillating innings.
Mike Matheny counters with the scalding-hot Jaime Garcia (9-8, 3.93). The 30-year-old has worked into the eighth in each of his last two assignments. While other members of the Redbirds’ vaunted rotation continue to wobble, Garcia’s clearly picking up steam. The oft-injured southpaw also finds himself on pace to stride to the rubber on 31 occasions, which would be the second-highest total of his career.
MLB Quick Links: Scores & Matchups | Injuries | Odds Comparison | Betting Trends | ATS Stats
Interestingly, however, Garcia’s past experiences with the Astros come up well short. He’s just 2-6 with a 6.15 ERA in 10 bouts vs. the franchise. But can Houston figure out a way to capitalize on a brief respite from the road? Hinch’s troops are still in the midst of 14 away tilts during a 16-day stretch. Look for Keuchel to help deliver temporary salvation shortly.
TUESDAY MLB FREE PICK: ASTROS -1.5