Game No. 136 Preview: Houston Astros at Texas Rangers

Houston Astros (71-64) vs. Texas Rangers (82-54), Sept. 4, 2016, 3:05 PM CT

TV: ROOTSW
Radio: KBME 790 AM, La Nueva 94.1 FM
Online: MLB.TV
Texas Rangers SBNation Blog: Lone Star Ball

Pitching Matchup

RHP Collin McHugh (9-10, 4.80 ERA, 1.49 WHIP) vs. RHP Yu Darvish (5-3, 3.01 ERA, 1.12 WHIP)

Preview

Welp — to repeat Friday and Saturday’s statement. It’s one more time into the fray for the Astros in Arlington. The Astros have lost 14 15 16 of their last 17 18 19 games in Arlington over the past two seasons. A victory on Sunday won’t save the AL West crown — that would require a massive collapse from the Rangers that won’t come because of devil magic. But the Astros can still hope for the Wild Card.

Now let’s look at the pitching matchup, Collin McHugh vs.....damn it. (audible sigh) Yu Darvish.

McHugh was roughed up in August, he was 2-3 with 5.01 ERA in six starts. He comes in having allowed just three earned runs in his last 11 innings -- including six scoreless against the Athletics. McHugh is making his second start against the Rangers this season. He allowed four runs on seven hits over 3 2/3 innings on June 9.

McHugh is 1-1 with a 6.75 ERA in three starts at Rangers Ballpark. Current Rangers are batting .378 (37x98) against McHugh with a .439 BABIP, 3.00 FIP, 15.2 K%, and a 4.8 BB%.

Darvish was excellent in August, posting a 3-1 record with a 2.95 ERA in six starts. He has given up six earned runs over his last 12 2/3 innings.

Darvish 4-3 with a 3.08 ERA in 11 career starts against Houston. Current Astros are batting .236 (25x106) against Darvish with a 2.39 FIP, .324 BABIP, 29.5 K%, and a 5.4 BB%.