Dallas Keuchel tries to extend winning streak
The Astros have been on the good side of some outstanding pitching performances this season. Dallas Keuchel, who will take the ball in game three of the series against the Orioles, has been perhaps the best feel-good story of the season.
In his last three starts, Keuchel has earned the win. After throwing a complete game shutout against the Texas Rangers, Dallas nearly repeated his feat on the road against the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim.
Then, again pitching on the road, he threw a complete game against the Seattle Mariners, yielding just one run. That run was unearned, so in his last three starts: 26 ⅓ innings pitched and limiting opposing teams to just 2 earned runs.
One of his biggest assets this season has been his sinker. That has enabled him to lead the league in ground ball percentage thus far in the season. Through his 10 starts, 66.5% of his outs have been grounders.
Perhaps the next biggest key to his success is his ability to locate. Among pitchers with at least 70 Innings Pitched, Keuchel ranks 4th with a BB/9 of 1.53.
And though not typically known as a strikeout pitcher, his K/9 is a respectable 7.77 overall. The SO/BB is a nice 5.08 ratio.
So when he takes the ball against the Baltimore Orioles, Astros fans should be able to breathe a little more normally. The team behind him is also rolling. Keuchel is bringing a personal 4-game winning streak to the mound while the overall team has streaked to 7 straight wins.
The Orioles have also had their difficulties this season against left-handed pitchers. Overall this should be an exciting game for Astros fans. Watch, listen, go to the game. However you can support, let’s get this team to 8 in a row!