Dodgers at Astros
After snapping a four-game losing streak with an 11-4 win over the Washington Nationals on Thursday, the Houston Astros hope their offensive outburst is a sign of things to come. Houston returns home to open a three-game set against the Los Angeles Dodgers, who are 10-3 after avoiding a series sweep in Milwaukee.
Houston’s primary task will be to slow down Matt Kemp and Andre Ethier, who have combined for 36 RBIs in the Dodgers’ first 13 games. Kemp has hit safely in eight straight games and he’s batting .451 with seven home runs and 18 RBIs. Astros second baseman Jose Altuve doesn’t have Kemp’s power, but he’s batting .348 while reaching base safely in 10 of his first 12 games.
TV: 8:05 p.m. ET, Prime Ticket (Los Angeles), FS Houston
PITCHING MATCHUP: Dodgers LH Ted Lilly (1-0, 0.00 ERA) vs. Astros LH J.A. Happ (1-0, 3.75 ERA)
Lilly allowed one unearned run and two hits over seven innings in his first start after beginning the season on the disabled list with a stiff neck. One of three left-handed pitchers to record double-digit wins in nine consecutive seasons, Lilly is 7-3 with a 2.64 ERA in 15 career starts against the Astros.
Happ has made two quality starts this season, including a strong six innings last Sunday at Miami when he allowed two runs with eight strikeouts. Happ is 0-1 with a 1.69 ERA in three games (two starts) against the Dodgers.
WALK-OFFS:
1. Dodgers infielder Juan Uribe has missed the past two games with a sore wrist, and it’s possible the injury could keep him out of the Houston series.
2. The Astros set a franchise record by hitting three triples in one inning on Thursday against the Nationals.
3. Houston outfielder Travis Buck missed Thursday’s game with a tight hamstring, but he could be available for Friday’s series opener.