The Astros have been ice cold especially since losing Carlos Lee. They have gone 2-14 while getting outscored 78-37 while batting .157 with runners in scoring position. This being the rubber game and the fact that the Padres have hit much better of late (scoring at least 7 runs in 3 of their last 4 games), I think theyâll have a major advantage on route to winning their 10th in 15 games. After all they also have an advantage on the mound.
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Before we start with the starters the Padres home bullpen ERA of 2.72 is 2.15 runs better than the Astros at 4.85 on the road. A major advantage considering we have two pitchers that are similar starting today in Wandy Rodriguez and Clayton Richard. Richard has had more success of late and vs. the opponent. Richard 4-3 w/ 2.68 ERA in his last 7 starts overall while Rodriguez is 3-3 with a 5.23 ERA over his last 9. Richard has held the Houston hitters to a .182 average and a .495 OPS in 44 AB. Richard has also been better in day starts with an ERA of 3.12 which 1.03 lower than his night ERA. He goes up against the same Houston club which is 30th vs. LHP and 30th in the month of July. Over their last 10 games they have a .131 average vs. LHP scoring 0.56 runs per 9. On the season they are hitting just .182 on the road vs. LHP and thatâs with Carlos Lee in the line up. They go to Padres stadium where itâs difficult to piece together innings and score runs and they are expected to win the rubber game when they are 5-22 in their last 27 road games vs. LHP. I donât think so which is why Iâm backing the Padres today.
