Arlington at Houston , 1:10 pm (CT)
TV: CSN Houston, MLB.TV
Radio: KBME 790 AM, KLAT 1010 AM
Rangers SBNation Blog: Lone Star Ball
Pitching Match
LHP Martin Perez ( 4-3 / 3.81 ERA / 1.39WHIP) vs. LHP Dallas Keuchel ( 5-6 / 4.96 ERA / 1.54 WHIP)
Preview
The torment that is this series can be summed up in a few stats. The Rangers have scored 11 runs in the seventh inning or later in just two game in Houston thus far. The Astros bullpen has an 11.82 ERA in 5.1 innings of work against the Rangers this series.
That said, the Astros still have a chance to slip the four-game series before they head off to Oakland. On the mound today is Dallas Keuchel. Keuchel's two most recent appearances have been in a relief role, he gave up five earned runs over 2.1 innings. In his last actual start, Keuchel gave up six runs over 7.1 innings against the Blue Jays.
Not the best of track records for a team hoping to save face against the Rangers. But, the lefty has done some of his best work in two starts against the Rangers this season. Allowing only four runs over 11 innings in those starts. Without Nelson Cruz in the lineup (.444 (4-9), 1 HR, 1 RBI vs. Keuchel), Ian Kinsler has had the most success against the Astros' left-hander with three hits and a walk in eight at-bats. Elvis Andrus is 2-for-8 with an RBI. Adrian Beltre is also 2-for-8 with a double. Jurickson Profar and Alex Rios are each hitless in two respectfully.
One time top prospect in the Rangers system, Martin Perez took a step back last season. Changing his outlook form top of the rotation to the middle of the rotation. He has a nice mix of mid 90's fastball with a low 80's change up, he lacked another consistent off-speed pitch.
Perez has pitched like a top prospect over his last two starts, both against the Angeles. He gave up only three runs over 13.2 innings and struck out 11. Chris Carter is 3-for-4 with a home run and walk against Perez.