Houston Astros (42-61) at Miami Marlins (49-52), 6:10 p.m. (CST)
TV: CSN Houston, MLB.TV
Radio: KBME 790 AM, KLAT 1010 AM
Marlins SBNation Blog: Fish Stripes
Pitching matchup
RHP Jarred Cosart (9-6, 4.23 ERA, 1.44 WHIP) vs. RHP Tom Keochler (6-7, 3.85 ERA, 1.22 WHIP)
Preview
Well the Astros couldn't figure out a pitcher that has made only previous 21 career starts over the four seasons with the Marlins. I would say today's game is on the shoulders of Jarred Cosart, but Mr. Cosart doesn't have swing a bat. An outfield of Robbie Grossman, L.J. Hoes, and/or Marc Krauss isn't getting the job done offensively. The infield isn't much better, minus Altuve, everyone is batting under .200 for the first week back from the break.
At least the offense knows what to expect from Jarred Cosart, he is second on the team in quality starts (11). That said he has had a rough July, Cosart has given up 14 earned runs over his last 15.2 innings - that includes issuing 10 walks to nine strikeouts. Cosart had his first no-decision since April 29 in his more recent start, 5.0 IP, 7 H, 3 ER, 4 BB, 4 K vs. the White Sox on July 20.
This will be the first time Cosart has faced the Marlins, he faced one member of Miami's lineup previously - Jarrod Saltalamacchia. Salty is 2-for-2 with a double in his career against Cosart.
Tom Koehler takes the mound for the 'Fins today. Koehler has been a mixed bag in July, giving up 10 earned runs over 9.1 innings in his first two starts, and only holding the Braves to one run over 6.2 innings. In his start on July 21, he allowed one run on five hits, walking two, and striking out seven over 6.2 innings in Atlanta. His biggest weapn without a strong faseball has been his curveball - he allowed only four extra-base hits on 608 curveball last season. That's Collin McHugh levels. This will also be Koehler first time against the Astros. The righty has a 4.92 ERA away from spacious Marlins Park.
Who is Jason Derulo?
Here at TCB, not only do we preview the game but the post game entertainment as well. I mean, you have to look cool in front of the young whipper snapper, right? This segment is already quickly crumbling. The Astros have invited R&B singer Jason Derulo to do a post-game performance. He is probably best known for saying his own name at the beginning of his own songs. Here are some of Derulo's more popular songs, "In My Head", "Whatcha Say", and "Don't Wanna Go Home". He recently came out the Album "Talk Dirty" this year, with the title track "Talk Dirty". His overall style is poppy R&B club music. I enlisted my fiancee Carrie, as an avid top-40 lister, for her opinion - "he [stinks]".