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Houston at Seattle, 9:10 CT
TV: CSN Houston
Radio: KBME 790 AM
Mariners SBNation Blog: Lookout Landing
Pitching Match
RHP Philip Humber (0-1 / 1.59 ERA / 1.24 WHIP) vs. LHP Joe Saunders (0-1 / 9.00 ERA / 2.75 WHIP)
Preview
It's time for the ‘Kstros' to take the show on the road. They're shipping off to Seattle just in time for Seattle's Opening Day ceremonies. Of course, the Astros have come fully prepared to make tonight a fun night for Seattle fans - at least when it comes to the batters. On the mound for the Astros is Philip Humber; the man threw a perfect game at Safeco Field on April 21, 2012, as a member of the White Sox. So Seattle fans will at least know one Astros player when the lineups are announced.
Since that perfect day, Humber fizzled out with a 7.39 ERA in 87 2/3 innings as a starter in 2012. Since joining the Astros, Humber has been nothing short of magnificent. In the Spring Training, he posted a 2-2 record with 1.73 ERA and 0.77 WHIP. That performance has rolled over to the regular season thus far, Humber picked up a tough-luck loss against the Rangers in his first start. In 5 2/3 innings, Humber scattered five hits, walked two, struck out two, and gave up one earned run. As for the Astros hitters, Jose Altuve has a .750 AVG and an RBI against Joe Saunders.
Speaking of Mr. Saunders, the former Angel, Diamondback, and Oriole, hopes to have found a home in Seattle. Saunders, who had been pushed out of the Orioles rotation, ended the season nicely by winning two elimination games in the playoffs. While Saunders has plus control, he won't blow Astros hitters away like Yu Darvish. Seattle hitters, as we already know have had trouble with Humber. I would imagine Robert Andino gets some playing time; he has .500 AVG in 8 at-bats. Side note, this will be the first regular season game played with the new Safeco Field dimensions. For more info, check out the Seattle preview with full details.
At this time, I would like to thank Bud Selig again for the opportunity to have three division opponents that play two time zones away. Thank you again.