Arizona Diamondbacks vs. Houston Astros Pick & Prediction SEPTEMBER 8th 2024
Preview and Prediction
Following a game where Jose Altuve and Yordan Alvarez both had multiple hits, the Houston Astros were able to secure an 11-5 victory over the Arizona Diamondbacks in the second game of their interleague series. Altuve and Alvarez, who combined for five hits and seven RBIs in the first game, continued their impressive performance in the second game, setting the stage for a potential series sweep in the finale on Sunday.
The Astros, who currently hold a six-game winning streak at home, were aided by the contributions of the last four hitters in their lineup. Victor Caratini, Jake Meyers, Ben Gamel, and Chas McCormick combined for five runs, three hits, two RBIs, and two walks, providing a strong foundation for the top of the order to drive in runs and put pressure on the Diamondbacks' struggling pitching staff.
According to Astros manager Joe Espada, this type of production from the bottom of the lineup is crucial for the success of the team's offense. By consistently getting on base and keeping the line moving, it allows for players like Altuve and Alvarez to have more opportunities to drive in runs and contribute to the team's overall success.
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The Astros will send right-hander Justin Verlander to the mound for the series finale on Sunday. Verlander, who has struggled since returning from the injured list, will be looking to regain his form and earn his first win since his return. In his previous start against the Diamondbacks, Verlander threw five scoreless innings and recorded five strikeouts in a 1-0 victory.
On the other side, the Diamondbacks will turn to right-hander Ryne Nelson to try and avoid a sweep. Nelson has been on a hot streak, going unbeaten in his last 12 appearances with a 2.76 ERA. In his last start, he recorded a season-high nine strikeouts in a victory over the San Francisco Giants.
Nelson will be making his first career start against the Astros, but he did have a scoreless relief appearance against them in 2023. The Diamondbacks, who have lost their last three road games after a successful stretch on the road, will be looking to bounce back and prevent a sweep by focusing on playing their game and staying committed to their strategy.
Despite the recent losses, Diamondbacks manager Torey Lovullo remains confident in his team and their ability to bounce back. He emphasizes the importance of staying focused and not getting distracted, with the goal of going 1-0 in each game.
As the series comes to a close, both teams will be looking to finish strong and come out on top. The Astros will be aiming for a sweep, while the Diamondbacks will be determined to avoid it and get back on track. It will be an exciting finale to what has been a competitive and high-scoring series between these two teams.
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Arizona Diamondbacks vs. Houston Astros Recap SEP 8TH 2024
Yordan Alvarez slugged two three-run home runs while Framber Valdez tossed seven shutout innings as the Houston Astros claimed the opener of a three-game interleague series with the Arizona Diamondbacks 8-0 on Friday.
Alvarez produced his second multi-homer effort in as many home games. Before accomplishing the feat against the Kanas City Royals on Sunday, his previous 12 homers all came on the road. He finished 2-for-4 with six RBIs on Friday while raising his season home run total to 32.
It was Alvarez's seventh multi-homer game this season, matching the franchise mark set by Chris Carter in 2014, when he clubbed 37 home runs. Alvarez has 22 career multi-homer games.
Hector Neris and Nick Hernandez each threw one inning to complete the Astros' combined two-hitter.
The Astros (76-65) took a 1-0 lead against Brandon Pfaadt (9-8) in the second inning on an RBI single from Mauricio Dubon.
In the fifth, Alvarez followed back-to-back singles from Dubon and Jose Altuve with a 407-foot blast into the upper deck in right field, extending the lead to 4-0.
Pfaadt departed three batters later, having allowed four runs on eight hits and two walks with five strikeouts over 4 2/3 innings.
An inning later, after Altuve hit an RBI single, Alvarez drilled an 0-1 sinker from Jordan Montgomery 420 feet to center, capping the scoring.
Dubon (3-for-3) and Altuve (3-for-4) recorded two runs and an RBI each.
Valdez (14-6) continued his recent run of mastery with his third scoreless start in his past four outings. He retired the Diamondbacks (79-63) in order in the second, fifth and sixth innings.
Valdez permitted two hits and three walks while striking out seven. He is 9-1 with a 2.15 ERA over his past 13 starts.
Geraldo Perdomo recorded an infield single leading off the third, the lone hit Valdez allowed until Eugenio Suarez followed a leadoff walk by Christian Walker in the seventh with a sharp single to center. Valdez rallied by getting Jake McCarthy to loft an infield popup to shortstop before inducing an inning-ending double play off the bat of Kevin Newman.