Orioles at Astros
The Houston Astros' pregame ceremony to unveil their World Series flag did not go according to plan Monday, but that snag was about the only thing that didn't go right in their home opener. The Astros set their sights on a fourth straight victory Tuesday, when they continue their three-game set against the visiting Baltimore Orioles.
Houston resorted to using a leaf blower on Monday to aid in the lifting of the fabric that was covering the championship pennant when the ropes failed to do the job during a windy night in Houston before Alex Bregman doubled home George Springer to send the Astros to a 6-1 win. The rotation has been up to the task in the team's 4-1 start, posting a 1.78 ERA and 36 strikeouts. Justin Verlander set the tone for the starting pitchers with his Opening-Day victory and attempts to keep his perfect regular-season record as an Astro intact against the Orioles, who are batting .129 and have been outscored 19-3 during their three-game losing streak. Manny Machado (.231) is the only Baltimore regular hitting over .200, and he only has one hit in nine at-bats since going 2-for-4 in the season opener.
TV: 8:10 p.m. ET, MLB Network, MASN (Baltimore), AT&T Sportsnet-Southwest Plus (Houston)
PITCHING MATCHUP: Orioles RH Mike Wright (2017: 0-0, 5.76 ERA) vs. Astros RH Justin Verlander (1-0, 0.00)
Wright won a rotation spot in spring training despite a less-than-impressive showing, surrendering 15 runs - 14 earned - on 26 hits and five walks across 19 innings while dropping both of his decisions. The native of South Carolina made all 13 of his appearances last season out of the bullpen, and he is 3-4 with a 6.22 ERA in 21 career starts (12 in 2016). The Astros tagged Wright for five runs in as many innings to give him a loss the only time they faced him in 2015.
Verlander improved to 10-1 with a 1.53 ERA in 13 starts (including playoffs) since he was acquired from Detroit last August with Thursday's victory over Texas, striking out five over six scoreless frames. The 2011 American League Cy Young Award winner has been even more dominant in his regular-season starts with the Astros, winning each of his six turns while posting a 0.90 ERA. Verlander won his only start against the Orioles last year, allowing two runs and fanning 10 over seven innings.
WALK-OFFS
1. Astros SS Carlos Correa departed after the second inning Monday with discomfort in his left big toe and is day-to-day.
2. Baltimore has dropped 12 of the last 14 meetings in this series, including all seven at Minute Maid Park.
3. Houston pitchers have struck out 49 batters, a club record through the first five games.