Notes & Numbers: G15 - Astros at Rangers

This would be a better rivalry if the Astros could, you know, win in Dallas.

The Rangers now lead the all-time series with the Astros 81-49, and are 39-19 since the Astros moved to the American League, including that awful 2013 season series where the Astros went 2-17. Furthermore, the Astros are 6-14 at Arlington since the beginning of 2014.

Woody from Toy Story Cole Hamels will get the start tonight for the Rangers. In his only start against Houston for the Rangers he got the no decision, throwing 7IP, 7H/3ER, 4K:1BB back in September, a game which, predictably, the Astros lost. This will be his fourth start of the season. In his three starts, he's thrown 18.1IP, 15H/6ER, 16K:8BB, 3 HR allowed. The Rangers haven't lost a game in which Hamels has started since August 7, 2015. They are 13-2 in games he has started as a Ranger.

In 77 career plate appearances, current Astros are hitting .260/.286/.452, with 14K:1BB.

Jose Altuve: 4x8, HR
Evan Gattis: 4x13, 2HR
Carlos Gomez: 4x18
Colby Rasmus: 3x10, HR

Doug Fister will take the ball tonight. His first two starts? Not so good. 10.2IP, 14H/9ER, 8K:2BB. Lefties are killing him. Consider the righties: 27 PA, .240/.296/.320 line. Lefties? 19 PAs, .421/.421/.895. And he's having a hard time closing out innings. To wit:

0 Out: .624 OPS-allowed
1 Out: .971 OPS-allowed
2 Out: 1.125 OPS-allowed.

And opposing hitters are 6x12 with three doubles with runners in scoring position.

But the Astros will totally win.