Astros to overcome Orioles in series finale?
Lance McCullers enjoyed a terrific rookie campaign in 2015. So far this season, though, injuries have prevented the Houston hurler from showing his considerable stuff.
The 22-year-old shoots to finally get matters moving in the right direction in tonight’s series finale vs. Baltimore, with a 7:10 p.m. ET first pitch at Minute Maid Park. Handicappers at online sports book BetDSI endorse the host club, while the Orioles represent +104 underdogs. The over/under total sits at eight runs.
Thanks to some pretty sublime work on the rubber in the past 48 hours, the Astros find themselves in position to sweep Buck Showalter’s bunch. McCullers (0-1, 5.91 ERA) could make that a reality by improving on last week’s 2-1 defeat to Texas, in which he allowed five hits and two runs across six innings. The Tampa native was handling just his second assignment after shoulder soreness necessitated more than a month-long break from the rotation.
He’ll be opposed by Kevin Gausman (0-1, 2.70 ERA) in several hours. The Baltimore lefty has logged four consecutive quality starts, but offensive support continues to elude him. Gausman faces a Houston lineup whose .228 average ranks at the bottom of the American League.
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At the end of the day, we can’t hardly fathom how ridiculous McCullers is at home. With a 4-1 record, not to mention a 1.95 ERA, in the Lone Star State thus far, he’s simply unlikely to tremble at the sight of Manny Machado, Adam Jones and company. Roll with the Stros to overcome the O’s for the sixth time in seven meetings. tremor
THURSDAY MLB FREE PICK: ASTROS -1.5
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