I'm backing the Houston Astros on Wednesday. Scott Kazmir has been on-fire with Houston and before his acquisition. Yes, he's 2-0 with Houston, yet to allow a run in 14 2/3 IP. But he's also allowed just one earned run in his last five starts overall, spanning 32 innings of work. He's made three starts against Texas this season, going 2-0, while posting a 1.29 ERA, 0.62 WHIP, and .116 BAA. The Astros are also getting strong performances from newly acquired Carlos Gomez, who's batting .348 in his first five games since coming over from Milwaukee, including a home run and a double last night. Texas counters with Nick Martinez, who's allowed seven home runs in his last 28 IP, for a 2.25 HR's per 9 IP ratio. The Astros have destroyed high home run pitchers all season. Martinez has allowed 48 base runners in those 28 innings for a 1.71 WHIP. And his team is 1-6 in his last seven outings, allowing 6.71 rpg. Considering the right-hander's poor home WHIP of 1.52 and hefty, .295 home BAA, I doubt he finds the "sweet elixir" in this one. And while the Astros are on a 10-3 run as chalk, the Rangers are 1-10 in their last 11 against teams with a winning record. I'm backing the Astros, my Pitching Mismatch. Thanks & GL! Scott Spreitzer.

08/04/2015 11:39 PM