The Houston Astros are set to face off against the Cincinnati Reds in a three-game series at Daikin Park, starting Friday night. Here’s an overview of the matchups and key information leading into the games.
**Game Schedule and Starting Pitchers:**
– **Friday, 7:10 PM CT**: Nick Martinez (1-3, 4.19 ERA) will take the mound for the Reds against Houston’s Hunter Brown (5-1, 1.67 ERA).
– **Saturday, 6:10 PM CT**: Brady Singer (4-2, 3.66 ERA) will pitch for Cincinnati, going up against Lance McCullers Jr. (0-0, 0.00 ERA), who is making his season debut for the Astros.
– **Sunday, 1:10 PM CT**: The series concludes with Andrew Abbott (2-0, 2.25 ERA) starting for the Reds opposite Ronel Blanco (2-3, 4.98 ERA) of the Astros.
**Historical Context:**
Historically, the Reds have been a frequent opponent for the Astros, with a total of 854 matchups. Houston holds a record of 401-452 against Cincinnati, revealing a win percentage of .470, which is their sixth-lowest against any team. Compounding the challenge for the Astros, they are currently on a nine-game losing streak against the Reds, with the last victory dating back to June 19, 2016.
In that last encounter, Mike Fiers was the winning pitcher, allowing no runs over 5 2/3 innings, showcasing his effectiveness on the mound. This losing streak highlights the competitive nature of the matchups, and both teams will be looking to change their respective narratives.
**Current Standings:**
As of now, both teams boast a .500 record. The Astros are at 18-18, placing third in the AL West and four games behind the Seattle Mariners. Meanwhile, the Reds hold a record of 19-19, standing second in the NL Central and trailing the Chicago Cubs by three games. Both teams are currently on track for an 81-81 season, but the Astros have a 47.9 percent chance of making the postseason compared to the Reds’ 9.9 percent.
The Astros recently wrapped up a challenging six-game road trip, finishing with a 1-2 record. However, Framber Valdez secured his first win since opening day. He delivered a strong performance, pitching seven innings while allowing only three hits, striking out seven batters, and helping to reinvigorate his team’s hopes.
This upcoming series represents an opportunity for the Astros to break their losing streak against the Reds and improve their standings in what promises to be an exciting weekend of baseball. With both teams fighting for a better position in their respective divisions, fans can expect a competitive atmosphere at Daikin Park.