Astros Series Preview: Time to continue the streak against the Padres

While the Astros look to continue their five-game winning streak against the Padres on Friday night, here is some information on the upcoming three-game series.

The 6-1 Astros continue their six-game, seven-day homestand this weekend against the Padres. It’s been a while since Houston has seen San Diego’s baseball team. Eric Hosmer, of Royals’ fame, is now the new face of the Padres following his signing out west. But the Astros are different, too.

Without further adieu, let’s preview the series.

Game #1: Lance McCullers Jr. (Last start: 5.1 IP, 4 H, 2 R, 10 SO) vs. Luis Perdomo (Last start: 4.0 IP, 7 H, 5 ER, 7 SO)

Game #2: Gerrit Cole (Last start: 7 IP, 2 H 1 R, 11 SO) vs. Bryan Mitchell (Last start: 5 IP, 8 H, 5 ER)

Game #3: Charlie Morton (Last start: 6 IP, 3 H, 0 ER, 6 SO) vs. Tyson Ross (Last start: 6 IP, 5 H, 3 ER, 2 SO)

Looking deeper.

Lance McCullers will get the nod on Friday as Houston looks to continue their strong start. The Padres, on the other hand, have started off 1-6 only scoring 25 runs in seven games while allowing 36 runs in that span. McCullers has only allowed two hits in thirteen at-bats against the Padres bats. The only Astros hitter to face Padres starting pitcher Perdomo is Josh Reddick, and he has four hits in five at-bats against him. Perdomo will try to bounce back from a poor first start last Saturday against the Brewers.

Newly acquired ace Cole will make his first start in Minute Maid Park as an Astro on Saturday following a dominating performance in his Astros debut against the Rangers last Sunday. Cole has allowed ten hits in 36 at-bats against Padre bats. Padres starter Mitchell has never faced any Astros batters.

World Series hero, Morton, finishes out the homestand on Sunday. It’s only fitting since he started the homestand on Monday. Padre hitters have a total of three hits in 12 at-bats against Morton. Ross will have the mound for the series finale against the Astros. The Astros have three hits against Ross in his career. Jose Altuve highlights the Astros hitters going two for three against Ross hitting a double and a single against him before this weekends series.

Series Notes:

Padres third basemen Christian Villanueva hit three home runs in three at-bats on Tuesday against the Rockies, he will look to add to that count Friday night.

On Wednesday the Padres placed star outfielder Wil Myers on the ten-day DL with right arm irritation. The Padres say he will see the minimum time on the DL for a precautionary matter.  They are attempting to allow Myers body to calm down, and complete the season healthy and strong.

Next: The Knee-Jerk Store Called; An Early Look at the Team’s Fast Start

Astros young stud Carlos Correa was removed from Monday’s home opener due to a hurt toe. He Returned on Tuesday playing the bulk of the game and had the days of Wednesday and Thursday. Manager AJ Hinch said Correa is fine.

**Statistics and information courtesy of FanGraphs and Baseball-Reference**