So the Astros will send Russ Ortiz up against Claytown Kershaw to try to be the stopper. Logically, that first pitch is huge for Ortiz. First-pitch ball? .353 BAA. First-pitch strike? .143 BAA. Problem is Ortiz is throwing that FPB 17 out of 31 ABs so far this season. And settling in has been a problem. Pitches 1-15 have resulted in 7x16 with 1HR, 4RBI and 3 doubles.
Last start, Thursday at Pittsburgh:
4.2IP, 5H, 3ER, 2K:2BB.
Efficiency in pitches will be huge for Ortiz - last start it took 99 pitches to get through 21 batters (and only 14 outs). Problem, is, the Dodgers are averaging 3.94 pitches per plate appearance.
| Ortiz vs. | HxAB | BA/OBP/SLG | HR-RBI | K:BB |
| Loretta | 7x18 | .389/.421/.667 | 1-6 | 2:1 |
| Furcal | 7x20 | .350/.409/.550 | 0-1 | 2:2 |
| Pierre | 16x63 | .254/.277/.349 | 0-4 | 2:2 |
| Ausmus | 4x17 | .235/.333/.294 | 0-3 | 3:3 |
| Hudson | 3x4 | .750/.750/1.250 | 0-2 | 0:0 |
Clayton Kershaw
Kershaw got a no-decision last Wednesday against the Giants, but like many an Astro starter, deserved much better. Check the stats: 7IP, 1H, 1ER, 13K:1BB
Batters are hitting .081/.186/.189 against Kershaw, with 19K:5BB so far this season. Kershaw has given up two extra-base hits all season - just so you know.
2008 splits:
| Away | 2-3 | 5.36 ERA/1.72 WHIP | 5 HR | 41K:29BB |
| vs. HOU | 0-0 | 4.77 ERA/1.41 WHIP | 0 HR | 4K:2BB |
| July 1 | ND | 5.2IP | 6H/3ER | 4K:2BB |
Limited sample in one career start, but here it is
| Kershaw vs. | HxAB | BA/OBP/SLG | HR-RBI | K:BB |
| Tejada | 1x3 | .333/.333/.333 | 0-0 | 0:0 |
| Lee | 2x3 | .667/.667/.667 | 0-0 | 1:0 |
| Bourn | 1x3 | .333/.333/.667 | 0-0 | 0:0 |
| Berkman | 0x2 | .000/.000/.000 | 0-0 | 1:1 |
| Pence | 1x3 | .333/.333/.333 | 0-1 | 1:0 |
