TOM STRYKER’S FREE BASEBALL SELECTION SUNDAY, AUGUST 20TH
#912 HOUSTON with Brown (-188) over Seattle with Hancock at 1:05 PM EST
Checking in hungry off a pair of home losses to the M’s, the ‘Stros will be sure to salvage a game in this series before hosting a four straight against the Red Sox. Houston’s deficit in the AL West remains at 2.5-games behind Texas and manager Dusty Baker and his players understand the importance of this victory.
Young right-hander Hunter Brown will take the bump for the home team. In his last four starts versus the Orioles, Yankees, Devil Rays, and A’s, No. 58 was nicked for 11 earned runs and 23 hits in 24.0 innings of work. Hunter struck out 19 and walked five on his way to a 2-1 record with a 4.13 ERA. Even better, with seven day starts to his credit, Brown has been bumped for only 15 earned runs and 41 hits in 40.2 frames. After the math, that equates to a 2-2 record with a solid 3.32 ERA.
Greenhorn righty Emerson Hancock will grab the pearl for the visitors. With two career starts in the books against the Padres and Royals, No. 62 was clocked for six earned runs and 11 hits in 10.0 innings. Emerson whiffed four, walked three, and failed to earn a decision on his way to an 0-0 mark with a 5.40 ERA. Hancock made 20 starts for AA-Arkansas and was slapped for 47 earned runs and 83 hits in 98.0 frames. That shakes down to an 11-5 tally with a 4.32 ERA.
Even though the Mariners have got the best of the Astros this season, Houston still holds a commanding 123-77 record in the last 200 games in this series. Additionally, when priced as a hefty favorite of -180 or better, the ‘Stros have won 19 of their last 27 battles.
With a tough series against the BoSox on deck, the Astros will dig deep and avoid the sweep against the charging Mariners. Take Houston with Brown. Thanks and best of luck, Tom.
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