The Houston Astros continue their road trip as they travel to Atlanta to take on the Braves in a three-game weekend series. The Astros currently have the best record in the American League and come off a tough series in Chicago against the White Sox. The Braves follow up a hard-fought four-game series with division rivals the New York Mets and now welcome another of MLB's top three teams. On the mound on Friday night will be righty Lance McCullers Jr. (1-0, 0.00) of the Astros likely taking on Kyle Wright (14-5, 3.14). First pitch is scheduled for 7:20pm EST.
The Houston Astros come into this 2021 World Series rematch with the Braves looking to continue to measure themselves up against the best teams in baseball. Houston has played extremely well against both the Yankees and Mets this season, earning a 9-2 record against the two first-place teams. Houston now gets a chance to match up against the team that defeated them for the World Series crown in 2021. Houston comes into the series following a tough four-game set in Chicago against the White Sox. Houston dropped the first two games before bouncing back with a win on Wednesday night. In Thursday afternoon's series finale, the Houston offense was on full display as they pounded out 25 hits and scored 21 runs in a 21-5 drubbing of the White Sox. Alex Bregman went 4-for-6 with two doubles, two home runs and six RBI in the victory.
This energy on repeat. pic.twitte r.com/0uD8sPPx9N
— Houston Astros (@astros) August 18, 2022
The Astros seasonal statistics back up the team's gaudy record amongst the best team's in baseball. Houston ranks 2nd in ERA in baseball, first in quality starts and sixth in saves. On the offensive side of things, Houston ranks fifth in home runs per game and 6th in slugging percentage. Houston's starting rotation received a boost recently with the return of Lance McCullers Jr. from the IL. McCullers Jr. made his first start of the season vs. the A's and, while understandably a bit rusty in walking four batters, pitched six shutout innings and struck out five batters in an 8-0 Astros' win. The Astros will have the better part of a month to build up McCullers Jr. and his presence could prove equally valuable in the starting rotation or in the bullpen in the playoffs.