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ALDS Game 4 preview: Astros at Rays
October 8th, 2019
Houston Astros at Tampa Bay Rays, 7:07 p.m. ET, FS1
Justin Verlander (21-6, 2.58 ERA) will get the ball for the Astros in Game 4 of the American League Division Series against the Rays, who will counter with Diego Castillo (5-8, 3.41 ERA) in a "bullpen game." Houston should be able to clinch the decisive series victory Tuesday at Tropicana Field.
Verlander, the AL Cy Young frontrunner, aced Tampa Bay in Game 1 of this series, when he surrendered just one hit and three walks over seven scoreless innings. He struck out eight batters in his team's 6-2 triumph.
"He's one of the best pitchers in the world," Astros manager A.J. Hinch told reporters Monday, as he explained his decision to bring Verlander back on short rest. "It's no more complicated than that. He's ready, and it's his game."
Verlander, the AL Cy Young frontrunner, aced Tampa Bay in Game 1 of this series, when he surrendered just one hit and three walks over seven scoreless innings. He struck out eight batters in his team's 6-2 triumph.
"He's one of the best pitchers in the world," Astros manager A.J. Hinch told reporters Monday, as he explained his decision to bring Verlander back on short rest. "It's no more complicated than that. He's ready, and it's his game."
Justin Verlander in 4 career appearances (3 starts) when his team has a chance to clinch a postseason series:
1.05 ERA in 25 2/3 IP 30 strikeouts, 4 walks — Sarah Langs (@SlangsOnSports) October 7, 2019
The Rays' lineup has struggled against Verlander in the past. First baseman Ji-Man Choi and outfielders Kevin Kiermaier, Avisail Garcia and Austin Meadows are a combined 10-for-55 (.182) all-time against the Astros ace.
Castillo has made two scoreless appearances in the ALDS, with four strikeouts and a single walk in 3 2/3 innings. He may not pitch deep into this game, but he'll give his team a chance in Game 4.
"We'll start with Diego," Rays manager Kevin Cash told reporters after Monday's Game 3 victory. "From there—depends kind of where we land in the batting order. We're capable of multiple innings from a lot of the guys in the bullpen."
Castillo has made two scoreless appearances in the ALDS, with four strikeouts and a single walk in 3 2/3 innings. He may not pitch deep into this game, but he'll give his team a chance in Game 4.
"We'll start with Diego," Rays manager Kevin Cash told reporters after Monday's Game 3 victory. "From there—depends kind of where we land in the batting order. We're capable of multiple innings from a lot of the guys in the bullpen."
Charlie Morton & Diego Castillo after the Rays win. Morton talks finding his groove in the first few innings, the team battling in Game 3 and the Rays pitching staff. Diego talks about starting tomorrow and his mentality going into Game 4. pic.twitter.com/gTADGmOHL2
— FOX Sports Florida & Sun (@FOXSportsFL) October 7, 2019
Despite Tampa's success in relief during the regular season, in the ALDS the Astros' batters have notched six runs after the fifth inning through three games. Third baseman Alex Bregman has been on base seven times in this series, while first baseman Yuli Gurriel has five hits in 12 at-bats.
The degree of difficulty in having four or five hurlers on their "A" game far surpasses the challenge of having just two or three, like Houston will be counting on, so bettors should have faith in the Astros here.
MLB free play: Astros runline
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