Game 83 Preview: Houston Astros vs. Detroit Tigers

Houston Astros (35-47) vs. Detroit Tigers (44-33), 1:10 p.m. (CST)

TV: CSN Houston, MLB.TV
Radio: KBME 790 AM, KLAT 1010 AM
Tigers SBNation Blog: Bless You Boys

Pitching matchup

RHP Scott Feldman (3-5, 4.00 ERA, 1.31 WHIP) vs. LHP Drew Smyly (4-6, 3.19 ERA, 1.27 WHIP)

Preview

It's been an roller coster of a series with the Tigers to say the least. Scott Feldman hopes to calm things down in the Astros favor, and thats his job. Feldman isn't the ace of the Astros, he's the wise and sage-like leader of the rotation.

Feldman has rebounded after a set of outings to open June where the right-hander gave up nine runs over 5.1 inning and lasted only 1.2 innings. He has given up seven runs over 17.1 innings in his last three starts. Feldman has 16 strikeouts and four walks in those starts.

On the other hand, home has been no place for Scott Feldman. Feldman has a 4.89 ERA (7 starts) at home compared to a 2.73 ERA (6 starts) on the road. He has also allowed six home runs at Minute Maid park compared to two on the road.

Drew Smyly will take the ball today for the Tigers, he has been lights out in June. Smyly has a 1.44 ERA in his last five starts with 17 strikeouts and five walks. The 2010 Tigers draft pick, held the Rangers to one unearned run over six innings last Tuesday - walking one and striking out five.

The bottom of the Tigers lineup has been killer this series for the Astros. Eugenio Suarez came in this weekend's series batting .172 (5-29) in his last ten games, he is 4-for-7 this series with two runs scored and a RBI. Catchers Bryan Holaday and Alex Avila are a combined 3-for-7.

The Astros struck out a total of 26 times in their last two games. Yes, that's against the reigning Cy-Young award winner and a former Cy-Young winner but this is ridiculous.  That will need an improvement if the Astros have any hope for continued success.