Houston Astros vs. Milwaukee Brewers Series Preview

Mar 3, 2016; Clearwater, FL, USA; Houston Astros starting pitcher Doug Fister (58) throws a pitch in the first inning of the spring training game against the Philadelphia Phillies at Bright House Field. Mandatory Credit: Jonathan Dyer-USA TODAY Sports

GAME 2 – Doug Fister vs. Wily Peralta

The veteran Fister is a one-year experiment for Houston. After having a few good seasons with the Tigers and Nationals, Fister endured injuries and is now trying to bounce back after a sub-par 2015 season. His fastball velocity has dropped from 88-89 mph to 86 mph, and he is generating fewer ground balls from hitters. His spring did not give much hope to him turning things around, as he delivered an 8.27 ERA. Fister will need to keep the ball down, and induce some more ground outs; otherwise, he could have a short outing at Miller Park.

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In 2014, Peralta had his best year. 2015 was a step in the wrong direction. He simply gives up too many hits, and too many of those hits end up sailing over his outfielder’s heads and into the seats. Some have attributed this reverse trend to his lack of pitch assortment, as he relies heavily on a fastball and slider mix. He pitched opening day against San Francisco and got pelted by Giants hitters, giving up six hits, two walks, and four earned runs in four innings pitched. He will look to have a more successful outing against a Houston lineup he has relatively no history against.
Prediction: Brewers – 7 Astros – 5

Next: GAME 3 – Dallas Keuchel vs Jimmy Nelson

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