Houston @ Arizona preview
Chase Field
Last Meeting ( Jul 21, 2012 ) Houston 3, Arizona 12
Arizona has been a middle-of-the-road offensive team for most of the season, but with 38 runs in the past four games, the Diamondbacks are on the verge of a three-game sweep of the visiting Houston Astros. Clinging to their slim playoff hopes. the Diamondbacks will try to keep it going against right-hander Jordan Lyles. Lyles allowed seven runs and 12 hits over five innings in his only previous start against them last season.
Jason Kubel led the latest offensive outburst with three homers and six RBIs in Saturday's 12-3 win, as Arizona scored in double digits for the second straight game and the seventh time this season. Aaron Hill has also aided the hot streak, riding a 12-game hitting streak into the series finale. The Astros, meanwhile, have scored three runs or fewer in eight of their last 10 games. They have lost five straight and 18 of 20.
TV: 4:10 p.m. ET, Fox Sports Houston, Fox Sports Arizona
PITCHING MATCHUP: Astros RH Jordan Lyles (2-6, 5.29 ERA) vs. Diamondbacks RH Josh Collmenter (1-2, 3.90)
Lyles has lost five of his last six decisions after allowing five runs and 11 hits over six innings in a loss at San Diego on Tuesday. He does have three quality starts in his last five outings, but has just one win to show for it. The long ball has been an issue, as Lyles has given up 11 homers in 68 innings.
After a rough April, Collmenter has been effective in whatever role the Diamondbacks have used him the past three months. He is 1-0 with a 1.30 ERA in 14 games (three starts) since April 24 and will get another crack at the rotation with top prospect Trevor Bauer back in the minors. Collmenter is 1-0 with a 2.77 ERA in two starts against the Astros.
WALK-OFFS
1. OF Brian Bogusevic (1-for-2) is the only Astros player with a hit against Collmenter. The other players who have faced him - 2B Jose Altuve, 3B Chris Johnson and OF J.D. Martinez - are all 0-for-3 against him.
2. Diamondbacks C Miguel Montero and OF Gerardo Parra both went 3-for-3 with a double against Lyles last season.
3. The Astros have scored three or fewer runs in eight of Lyles' 12 starts this season.