Houston Astros (27-47) at Texas Rangers (39-35) Preview Game 2 (7:05 pm CT)

My prediction yesterday was pretty close and the Rangers won at home 8-3. You can plainly see that the Rangers perform much better at home, but then again, most teams do.

With their win last night, the Rangers were able to go a full game ahead of the Seattle Mariners in the AL West division standings. Adrian Beltre and Josh Hamilton both had very successful nights and you can read more about what happened in last night’s home game in Jonathan’s game recap.

The only thing that the Rangers will need to worry about is Hunter Pence, who may very well be returning to the lineup for the Astros for tonight’s game. Despite that, though, with their ace on the mound, the Rangers likely won’t have a problem. Check out the pitching matchups and more after the jump…

Pitching Matchups

LHP C.J. Wilson will get on the mound for the Rangers to continue their dominance at home against the Astros. Wilson has seven wins this year with three losses. His ERA is at a comfortable 3.03 with 93 strikeouts and just 36 walks in his 15 starts. Last time out, he pitched eight very effective innings permitting just two runs on seven hits while striking out 10 batters but still came out with a no decision. His two prior outings were both wins – on June 5, he pitched 7.2 innings allowing three hits but no runs then on June 10, he allowed three on eight over seven innings.

RHP Jordan Lyles gets the start for the Astros tonight in Arlington. Lyles is a young 20-year-old rookie for the Astros and will making his fifth start of the year after being called up and making his first start on May 31. He is 0-2 being unable to get in a win in his four starts with a 4.30 ERA. He has allowed at least two runs in each of his four starts with as few as four innings being pitched. Last time out, he allowed five runs – three of which were earned – in just 5.2 innings and was given the loss.

Pitchers vs. Hitters

LHP C.J. Wilson: Carlos Lee is 4-for-8 with two RBIs, Jason Michaels is 4-for-9 with a double, a triple, a homer and two RBIs, Jason Bourgeois is 2-for-3 with a double and Hunter Pence is 4-for-10 a double.

RHP Jordan Lyles: None of the Rangers have faced this rookie right-hander.

Injury Report

Starting catcher Yorvit Torrealba is still currently listed as day-to-day after needing IV fluids after the game on Sunday. As for back-up catcher Mike Napoli, he is still on the 15-day disabled list. He is eligible for a return come June 27; however, that may be too early for him as he injured his oblique, which normally requires more than the minimum two week recovery period.