Houston has played some exceptional ball this year, and we aren’t expecting that to change any time soon. They are an immensely talented bunch who really won’t let themselves be slowed down by whoever they are facing. This is a club that has World Series aspirations, falling short against the eventual champion Red Sox last year. They are probably looking at an ALCS date with the NY Yankees for a chance to get to the big dance.
St. Louis, on the other hand, is about to play its three most important games of the year to date. They have the same record as the Cubs and are only a few games ahead of Milwaukee. Those clubs are squaring off this weekend, and that could really make this all very interesting. If Houston is able to take tonight’s game and win the series, then STL is going to be behind the 8-ball and back in the standings.
Astros Look To Continue Dominance
Today is a big day for the Astros, who will finally be getting Carlos Correa off of the 60-day IL and back in the lineup. They have missed their star shortstop, who has come up huge for them over the past few years, but it was great to see them hold it down in his absence. George Springer recently passed his 2018 HR total (despite a lengthy IL stint this season), while Jose Altuve is fully healthy and hitting like we’re used to seeing him once more. They have the best one-two strikeout punches among starting pitchers in the majors (besides arguably Bauer/Bieber) this year in Cole/Verlander, both racking them up.
Jose Urquidy will make his fourth start of the season for Houston tonight. The 24-year-old has posted a 1-0 record with a 5.54 ERA through 13 innings. He has struck out 17 batters while walking only one, an impressive ratio for the youngster.
Cardinals Try To Keep Pace
With the Cubs and Brewers squaring off this weekend, STL needs to win at least two of the three contests with the dominant Astros to keep an even pace. These games are absolutely vital for them, and they will be hoping to come away victorious. Paul Goldschmidt is the first Cardinal since Ripper Collins (1935) to homer in every single game during a four-game set, a feat that has brought his total on the year to 22, the most on the club. He has been something else, and his strong play has coincided with the Cardinals’ rise.
Jack Flaherty (4-6, 4.24 ERA) will make his 21st start of the year for the Cards tonight. He is the team’s only pitcher with north of 100 strikeouts (122), and he’s walked 37. The 23-year-old has not been getting great run support in 2019.
Cardinals Win Opener
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