Game Preview: Astros at Diamondbacks, No. 2

This is a weird situation Houston finds itself in. Technically, the Astros are ending this series with Arizona. But, they pick up with a two games set Wednesday against...the Diamondbacks. That's why I'm treating this entire week as a four-game series with the Snakes. Makes life easier.

The big thing about last night's victory over Arizona was it snapped a long losing streak Houston had against the Snakes. Houston had previously lost nine straight to the Diamondbacks, the longest active losing streak the club had to any one team. It was also the first time Houston played Arizona since 2012.

Oh, you want more? Well, with the victory last night, Houston has now won eight of its last nine road games and have the best road record in the majors over the last month. Since May 11, Houston has gone 18-10 and has the best record in the AL West in that span.

Do you know what's even more amazing? If Houston wins today, they'll move to 8-10-3 in series this season. That means by next week, they could have won as many series as they've lost. Is there a better stat to encapsulate just how improved this Astros team has played over the previous three seasons?

Brad Peacock gets the start. The Astros have won each of Peacock's last three starts and the right-hander has a 3.77 ERA in road games this season. he's struck out 53 in 56 innings this season with 31 walks. This will be his first start at Chase Field.

He'll be opposed by Bronson Arroyo, who's roughly 57 years old. Arroyo signed with the D'Backs for two years, $23.5 million in the offseason. Since then, he's gone 5-4 in 74 innings with a 4.50 ERA. His ERA is about half a run higher than it was last year in Cincinnati, but his peripherals are all in line with his last three or four seasons. He won't strike out a ton of batters, but he also won't walk a ton.

I'll leave you with one bit of trivia: Tony Sipp became the third Astros pitcher to make an appearance in the outfield. Name the other two.