The Colorado Rockies play host to the Houston Astros in the second game of their four-game series from Coors Field. The Astros continue to fight near the top of the AL West, coming into this one knowing that they can't let one get away against one of baseball's worst teams. For the Rockies, the basement of the NL West is where they expect to remain this season but they'd love to play the role of spoiler. In a two-game set to open the month, the Astros came away with the sweep, and they look to repeat that in this one.
The Astros have been the cream of the crop in the AL West over the last few years but with the Rangers continuing to look like a serious contender, Houston finds itself in second-place. They've gone 6-4 over their last ten games to keep pace with Texas in front of them, though there's no doubt that they won't want to let an opportunity against one of baseball's worst teams pass them by. They already have confidence from a two-game sweep over Colorado earlier this month and also have one of the American League's best road records to lean on. It has certainly helped that they have plenty of winning experience to lean on, though inconsistency has plagued them at times this season. With both the divisional and Wild Card races looking like they could come down to the wire, every game is crucial to this team.
Brandon Bielak will get the ball for Houston on Wednesday afternoon, a s they lean on the righty to dominate and get them into the win column. He brings a losing record (4-5) into this one, though his 3.79 ERA has continued to turn some heads, even as the wins struggle to come. He's been exceptional the last two times out, combining to go 12 innings, allowing only six hits and two runs, including a great performance against the Rockies on July 4th. In that one, he went seven innings of scoreless baseball, in a performance that he'll be itching to replicate in the rematch.
Houston's offense is averaging 4.8 runs per game and while they are in-line with much of baseball in most offensive categories, they're helped quite a but by their ability to draw walks and get on base, which they continue to take advantage of. Kyle Tucker (.299 average, .377 OBP, 62 RBI) has led the way, while this group tries to navigate some injuries. Yordan Alvarez (oblique), Jose Altuve (oblique), and Michael Brantley (shoulder), all remain out indefinitely, while Jose Pena (hamstring) at least appears to be back in the lineup going forward. With so many big stars out, the Astros will need to continue to rely on their few consistent bats left, to generate much of the offense.