Houston Astros: Preview of Opening Series in New York

Aug 19, 2015; Houston, TX, USA; Houston Astros shortstop Carlos Correa (1) celebrates with second baseman Jose Altuve (27) after hitting a home run during the first inning against the Tampa Bay Rays at Minute Maid Park. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports
Aug 19, 2015; Houston, TX, USA; Houston Astros shortstop Carlos Correa (1) celebrates with second baseman Jose Altuve (27) after hitting a home run during the first inning against the Tampa Bay Rays at Minute Maid Park. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports /
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Aug 29, 2015; Minneapolis, MN, USA; Houston Astros starting pitcher Mike Fiers (54) pitches in the fourth inning against the Minnesota Twins at Target Field. The Houston Astros beat the Minnesota Twins 4-1. Mandatory Credit: Brad Rempel-USA TODAY Sports
Aug 29, 2015; Minneapolis, MN, USA; Houston Astros starting pitcher Mike Fiers (54) pitches in the fourth inning against the Minnesota Twins at Target Field. The Houston Astros beat the Minnesota Twins 4-1. Mandatory Credit: Brad Rempel-USA TODAY Sports /

GAME 3 – Mike Fiers vs Luis Severino/TBA

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Mike Fiers did very well for the Astros after Houston traded for him and Carlos Gomez. Fiers’ first outing was out of the bullpen, and it was a rough one, but he regained his composure the rest of the way and even threw a no-hitter against the Dodgers lineup. It is a good sign for him that he is the number three starter, at the beginning of spring, he was talked about as being in competition for the last rotation spot. Lance McCullers will jump him in the rotation when he returns from injury, but this will be a nice spot for Fiers to see what he can do in New York for the opening series.

Nathan Eovaldi enters his second season as a Yankee. Last year he compiled a fantastic record of 14-3, but his ERA/WHIP was 4.20/1.45. He definitely benefitted from run support, but will need to pitch more effectively if he is to maintain his winning percentage. Eovaldi did fare much better at Yankee Stadium where his ERA was 3.22. He did start off the spring with a groin injury, but has recovered and pitched well over a few outings. Last year, Eovaldi struck out 13 Astros in 14 innings pitched. Carlos Gomez and Carlos Correa have been two Astros to fare well versus Eovaldi, both hitting over .300 against him.

Next: KEY TO THE SERIES