Houston Astros To Send Duo of Aces to Face Athletics

The Houston Astros have set their pitching probables for their three-game series with the Oakland Athletics, which starts on Monday at Minute Maid Park.

Monday’s and Tuesday’s games are set to start at 7:10 p.m. central, while Wednesday’s finale is set for 6:10 p.m.

The Astros have a 2.5-game lead in the American League West Division heading into the series.

Monday’s game will feature Astros left-hander Framber Valdez (11-9, 3.30) against Athletics right-hander Mason Miller (0-2, 3.09).

Valdez is coming off a victory on Tuesday against Texas, a game in which he allowed one earned run and six hits in seven innings. He struck out four and walked four. He is now 3-2 in his last seven starts with a 3.33 ERA in 48.2 innings. He’s struck out 34 and walked 15 in that span.

Miller faced Toronto on Wednesday and threw two scoreless, hitless innings of relief. He struck out three. He has started four of his last five games and has an 0-2 record with a 3.09 ERA. He has 25 strikeouts and seven walks in 23.1 innings.

Tuesday’s game will feature Astros right-hander Justin Verlander (11-7, 3.23) against Athletics left-hander JP Sears (4-11, 4.51).

Verlander took the hill on Wednesday against Texas and threw seven innings of four-hit baseball. He gave up one earned run and one walk. He also struck out six. He continued his excellence since re-joining the Astros, as he’s 5-2 with a 3.43 in his last seven starts, with 38 strikeouts and nine walks in 42 innings.

Sears made his last start against Toronto on Wednesday, taking the win by throwing five innings and giving up four hits, one earned run and four walks. He also struck out three. In his last seven starts, he is 2-4 with a 5.91 ERA with 35 strikeouts and 18 walks in 35 innings.

The Astros will start right-hander Hunter Brown (10-11, 4.78) against Athletics right-hander Paul Blackburn (4-4, 3.88).

Brown made his last start against the San Diego Padres on Friday. He took the loss, throwing 4.1 innings and allowing six hits and six earned runs. He struck out five and walked two. In his last seven games, he is 3-4 with a 7.20 ERA, with 36 strikeouts and 12 walks in 30 innings. He’s allowed 24 earned runs.

Blackburn went just three innings in his last start against Texas on Friday but ended up with a no-decision. He gave up six hits and two earned runs, while walking three and striking out five. In his last seven starts he went 2-2 with a 2.56 ERA, with 39 strikeouts and 17 walks in 38.2 innings.

After facing the Athletics, the Astros get Thursday off before starting a three-game series at Kansas City on Friday.