Who We Got
Florida: 8-6, 3rd place, .5GB
On the Road: 4-3
Vs. Houston: 0-1
Runs scored/Against: 73/69
Houston: 4-9, 6th place, 4.5GB
At Home: 1-6
Runs Scored/Runs Against: 35/62
Starting Pitchers
Josh Johnson: 1-1, 4.50 ERA / 1.63 WHIP
Last two games:
(vCIN- Apr 15) 6IP, 5H/1ER, 10K:1BB
(vLAD - Apr 10) 5IP, 8H/3ER, 7K:3BB
Bud Norris: 1-1, 3.52 ERA / 2.22 WHIP
Last two games:
(@STL - Apr 15) 5IP, 4H/0ER, 9K:3BB
(vPHI - Apr 9) 2.2IP, 6H/3ER, 3K:4BB
Why the Astros Will Win
Because this season righties are 11x33 with four XBH against Josh Johnson.
Because Johnson is 0-3 lifetime against the Astros, with a 7.36 ERA / 2.09 WHIP in two starts (one relief). At Minute Maid, Johnson is 0-2, with a 7.50 ERA / 2.17 WHIP.
Because Bud Norris just might be figuring this thing out. After a dominating 5IP performance vs St. Louis, hopefully Good Bud will show up tonight to keep this win streak alive.
Why the Astros Will Lose
Because the Astros haven't seen much of Josh Johnson. Of current Astros, Pedro Feliz has the most ABs against Johnson, and is 3x14, with an OPS of .500.
Because current Marlins are 16x36 against Bud Norris, with a .444/.475/.750 line (homers by Uggla, Cantu, and Ramirez).
Because Bud Norris actually kind of struggles at Minute Maid. In seven games, he's 4-3, but has a 5.13 ERA / 1.74 WHIP.
We didn't come out here to play tiddlywinks, son.
-Hal Smith
