Houston:
Basically this is a play against St. Louis since they clinched the National League Central Division last night and with all the celebrating going on last night plus lots of emotions were flying with everything that the Cardinals have gone through this season, feel a lot of the starters will either be out of the lineup or not game-ready if they do play.
What makes this even easier to play is the fact that Miller is starting for Houston and has been on one of the best runs around. Miller hasn't lost since June 26th
Miller is 11-0 with a 1.91 ERA in his last 14 starts and with St Louis clinching last night, should have an easy time with the Cardinals lineup.
Miller also has been extra tough in Day games this season, posting an ERA of just 2.23 which is over 2 runs lower than his night ERA.
Miller is just as tough on the Road and has an ERA that is actually lower on the road than his home ERA this season.
If you look at Morris who's getting the start for the Cards, he does have pretty respectable numbers vs Houston as far as record and ERA goes, but I just can't help but notice some of the current numbers of Houston's key batters vs Morris. These are some numbers that go back through the 1998 season:
Ausmus .393 Average with a .485 on base %
Bagwell .294 average with a .405 on base %
Berkman .370 average with a .433 on base %
Biggio .300 average with a .344 on base %
Bottom line, it just looks like it could be an easy win for this Houston team today. Not saying Houston's highly motivated for this one either, but Cards could care less after clinching and celebrating last night (early morning)and the numbers favor the Astros in this one. I like their chances.
Good luck :thumb:
-ndnfan
