Texas Rangers (42-38) at Houston Astros (28-52) Game 2 of 3 Preview (7:05 pm CT)

Last night, the Texas Rangers started the series off right if they have intentions on yet another sweep of the Houston Astros at Minute Maid Park. Out of the last 16 meetings between the Rangers and the Astros, the Rangers have successfully taken 13 of them. Seven of those were on the road in which were all victories for the North Texas team.

The Rangers will look to continue their success in Houston tonight as they play the second game of a three-game set while Houston will look to get their first victory at home after dropping the previous seven at Minute Maid Park.

Pitching Matchups

RHP Colby Lewis gets on the mound to start things off for the Rangers. Lewis is currently 6-7 with a 4.44 ERA. Last Wednesday, he threw well against Houston in Arlington pitching seven scoreless innings and striking out 10 hitters prior to his endeavor being thrown out the window when the bullpen came in and allowed a whopping five runs. The game ended 5-3 and the Rangers were unable to make a sweep at home while Lewis ended with a no decision. Lewis’ previous outing was just as strong allowing just two runs on five hits in 6.2 innings and striking out 10 batters when he faced the Atlanta Braves on June 17 resulting in a 6-2 victory for the club and a win for the right-handed pitcher. Lewis will aim to continue his strong performance on the mound tonight facing the Astros in their home territory.

RHP Brett Myers will start for the Astros. Myers is 3-6 this year with a 4.65 ERA. His previous outing was also last Wednesday. He pitched six great innings allowing two runs on six hits while striking out six of the Rangers but didn’t factor in the decision. His prior outing was against the Los Angeles Dodgers in which he had a fantastic complete game allowing just three runs on four hits while striking out six. He is coming back nicely from last month, which didn’t end well for the 30-year-old right hander. Being matched up against Lewis, he doesn’t stand much of a chance unless the bullpen decides to come back in and royally screw things up for Lewis’ strong start once again…this must be what Astros’ fans are hoping for.

Pitchers vs. Hitters

RHP Colby Lewis: Carlos Lee is 4-for-16 with two doubles and one RBI but also has four strikeouts, which is the most among the Astros. Jason Michael, Jason Bourgeois and Chris Johnson are all 2-for-5 against Lewis. Jeff Keppinger, Michael Bourn and Hunter Pence are a combined 4-for-25. Clint Barmes, Brett Wallace and Carlos Corporan have been unable to safely hit off Lewis.

RHP Brett Myers: Tonight may be Ian Kinsler’s night after having it rough as of late (apart from last night only missing one of his at-bats) as he is 3-for-4 against Myers with a double, a homer and an RBI. Adrian Beltre is 2-for-17 with one homer and two RBIs, YTorvit Torrealba is 4-for-15 with four RBIs and Michael Young is 2-for-5. Josh Hamilton and Nelson Cruz are both 2-for-3 with an RBI a piece and a home run for Cruz.