Projected Matchups
Game 1: Roy Oswalt vs. Vicente Padilla
Game 2: Taylor Buchholz vs. John Wasdin
Game 3: Wandy Rodriguez vs. Kevin Millwood
Game 1 Matchup Notes
Oswalt: Against the Rangers in his career, Oswalt has gone 4-1 with a 3.35 ERA. He pitched well in his last start against the Whitesox allowing just 2 runs on 5 hits over 7 innings. In his May 19th start against Texas he allowed 3 runs on 11 hits over 6.1 innings in a no-decision.
Padilla: Has gone 1-1 with a 3.42 ERA over his last 4 starts and is sporting a solid 4.18 ERA at the Ballpark in Arlington. Currently 0-4 with a 5.68 ERA in his career against the Astros, this will be his first start against the Astros this year.
Game 2 Matchup Notes
Buchholz: Taylor will be facing Texas on an extra day of rest and in his career he has gone 3-0 with a 2.60 ERA when he has had an extra day between starts. Buchholz dominated the Rangers on May 21st pitching a 5 hit shutout against them.
Wasdin: John will be making only his 2nd start of the season. In his first start on June 11th, against the Redsox, he allowed 3 runs on 6 hits over 5.1 innings. If he can allow just 3 runs again the Rangers might have a chance to pull this one out.
Game 3 Matchup Notes
Rodriguez: Wandy has had a pretty tough time lately. In 6 June starts he has allowed 26 runs in 33 innings and posted a 2-3 record. This will be Rodriguez's first start of the season against Texas, and probably the Rangers best chance to get a win.
Millwood: Kevin has gone 5-1 with a 3.94 ERA over his last 9 starts and is 2-0 with a 3.38 ERA in his last 3 home starts in Texas. He is 5-2 lifetime with a 2.60 ERA against the Astros. In his only other start against Houston this year, Millwood gave up 4 hits and struck out 6 in 7 scoreless innings for win.
Battle for the Boot: Current Standings
The Astros won 2 of the 3 games in Houston outscoring the Rangers 10-9. Texas needs to either sweep the series in Arlington or win 2 out of 3 for a tie and outscore the Astros by 2 in order to win the Silver Boot.