The Colorado Rockies are having another struggling season while the Houston Astros continue as one of the league's top teams. The series shifts back to Denver as the road struggles plaguing the Rockies continue on home field. The Astros are hot on a four game win streak while notching five victories in their last six games and they aim to keep the momentum moving and close out the series against the Rockies.
The Astros are benefitting from strong play from Carlos Correa and George Springer who each got three hits apiece in the Wednesday win. Chris Carter, Preston Tucker and Jake Marisnick each knocked out home runs in the win. Correa has been hot in the series going 8 for 14 with a home run while breaking the franchise record with 14 hits in 10 games. If they are going to keep the momentum moving though it will be without Jose Altuve.The star exited the game on Wednesday with hamstring tightness and is not expected to be in the lineup Thursday. He has been battling the issue for much of the season, missing three of the last four games with the injury.
Houston will put Collin McHugh on the mound who has a 6-3 record and 5.08 ERA. He struggled in his most recent start, giving up eight runs in three innings to Seattle. He has a 3.77 ERA in his last seven road starts compared to a 6.82 ERA at home which could help him in this game. He has given up four home runs in his last two starts, but the Rockies have been cold at the plate so that might not be an issue.
Pitching has been the issue in Colorado as the starting rotation has a 10.29 ERA in the last three games against the Astros. The team is in desperate need of improving those numbers after going 1-5 in their last few games against both Miami and Houston. David Hale will take the mound hoping to change the trend as he is 2-1 with a 4.56 ERA on the season. He gave up four runs and three walks to the Marlins, but has pitching at least six innings in each of his last four starts which is improvement.
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