Houston Astros (57-54) vs. Minnesota Twins (45-66), August 8th 2016, 8.10 PM ET
TV: ROOTSW
Radio: La Nueva 94.1 FM, KBME 790
Online: MLB.TV
Minnesota Twins SB Nation Blog: Twinkie Town
Pitching Matchup
Collin McHugh, RHP (7-8, 4.73 ERA, 3.90 FIP, 1.48 WHIP) vs. Tyler Duffey, RHP (6-8, 6.21 ERA, 4.84 FIP, 1.53 WHIP).
Preview
The Astros lineup, of late, has been slumping. In the past two weeks, the Astros rank dead last in baseball in wRC+, with a disgraceful mark of 51. On the other hand, the Twins have the highest wRC+ in baseball over the last two weeks, with an impressive mark of 136.
The Astros will seriously need to start hitting if they are to stand any chance of winning this four game set in Minneapolis.
However, Houston native Duffey has surrendered at least five runs in each of his last three starts. Perhaps, this is the break the Astros need to kickstart their offense. And, to put the cherry on top, the last time the two sides faced each other, the Astros scored a season high sixteen runs.
After another frustrating series against the Rangers, facing a club stuck in the cellar of the American League Central might be exactly what the Astros need.
Concerning pitching for the Astros, Collin McHugh is riding a two-game losing streak. He's just one start removed from surrendering eight runs, and not making it out of the second inning against the Tigers. Facing the red hot Twins lineup is far from ideal, but will serve as a great test for McHugh, who is, no doubt, looking to return to his fantastic form of last season.
One final titbit; Jose Altuve sports a 1.115 OPS on the season whilst batting on the road, with twelve doubles, eight home runs, and fourteen stolen bases. Look for him to spark, and lead, the Astros offense to victory tonight.
Tune in from 8.10 PM ET to see the first of a four game set against the Twins.