Houston vs. Los Angeles, 7:10 PM CT
TV: CSN Houston
Radio: KBME 790 AM
Angels SBNation Blog: Halos Heaven
Pitching Match
RHP Bud Norris (3-3/ 3.89 ERA / 1.54 WHIP) vs. RHP Joe Blanton (0-5 / 5.97 ERA / 1.90 WHIP)
Preview
After a great start to the series, the Astros seek to win their 3rd series in 2013. On the mound today for the Astros is Bud Norris. Norris broke his streak of alternating wins and losses, after pitching seven innings and giving up two runs against the Tigers. Norris was not around for the decision, as the Astros lost the game in extra innings. This was the third straight start that Norris was able to at least reach the fifth inning. In his last two starts, he has collected 13 strikeouts compared to only 5 walks. Joe Blanton enters tonight’s game on a rough stretch – giving up 23 earned runs over 34 2/3 innings pitched. He best start was his last, giving up two runs over eight innings to Baltimore. Blanton 2012 numbers are perplexing, one of the best walk rates in baseball, but also one of the worst homerun rates in baseball. If the Astros, will have to jump on pitches that Blanton leaves on the fat part of the plate.