Series Preview: Houston Astros at Texas Rangers, August 3-5, 2015

Series Preview: Houston Astros at Texas Rangers, August 3-5, 2015

The Astros and Rangers had quite the dustup the last time they played. Rougned Odor and Hank Conger got into, and the benches cleared. The following game Dallas Kechel told former Astros prospect Delino DeShields to "Sit Down!" The seed of a rivalry was planted, maybe. The Astros start a long road trip in Arlington as they face the Rangers.

Texas, who added Cole Hamels at the deadline after he used his no-trade clause to rebuff a trade to Houston. (Another chapter in the rivalry, maybe?)

The Rangers are 6-4 in their last ten games, winning two out of three from the reigning World Series Champion Giants. The Astros on the other hand have won 7 of their last 10, and have won their last two series -- including a three-game sweep over the Angels.

Pitchers

Monday: Lance McCullers (5-3, 2.48 ERA, 1.11 WHIP) vs. Colby Lewis (11-4, 4.42 ERA, 1.19 WHIP)
Tuesday: Mike Fiers (5-9, 3.89 ERA, 1.36 WHIP) vs. Yovani Gallardo (7-9, 3.39 ERA, 1.34 WHIP)
Wednesday: Scott Kazmir (6-5, 2.10 ERA, 1.04 WHIP) vs. Nick Martinez (6-6, 4.01 ERA, 1.42 WHIP)

McCullers pitches for the second time since All-Star break, he was effective allowing one over seven innings against the Angels. This his first start against the Rangers. Colby Lewis is 4-1 with a 4.76 ERA in 10 starts at home.

Mike Fiers is making first start as an Astros after being included as part of the Carlos Gomez trade. Yovani Gallardo has allowed five earned runs in three straight starts.

Scott Kazmir won the AL Pitcher of the Month after posting a 0.26 ERA in five starts. Nick Martinez broke a four-game losing streak with his last start -- he has allowed at least seven hits in seven straight outings.

Hitting

Both of the Astros catcher, Hank Conger and Jason Castro have been hot -- batting .600 and .333 respectively in the team's last six games.Carlos Correa continues is trek to the Rookie of the Year award, batting .375 with four home runs in his last six games.

Elvis Andrus is on a hot streak batting .333 with three doubles and home run in his last 27 at-bats. Shin Choo Choo is batting .333 alos in his last 21 at-bats with two doubles and a home run. Josh Hamilton has eight RBIs in his last 24 at-bats.

Prediction

Astros take two of three, FIers struggles in his first start as an Astros.

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