Inside the Astros

Houston Astros and Phillies Series Preview: Pitching, Matchups And More

The Houston Astros will embark on a three-game series against the Philadelphia Phillies this weekend at Minute Maid Park. Here is everything you need to know!
Kade Kistner|
Houston Astros and Phillies Series Preview: Pitching, Matchups And More
Houston Astros and Phillies Series Preview: Pitching, Matchups And More

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Houston AstrosPhiladelphia Phillies

The Houston Astros will face the Philadelphia Phillies at Minute Maid Park for a three-game series over the weekend. It's a much-anticipated rematch of the 2022 World Series. 

With the Texas Rangers losing on Thursday evening to the New York Yankees, Houston now sits tied atop the American League West. Philadelphia has been surging of late after a rough start and now sit at .500. 

The Astros have a tough test ahead against a very good Phillies lineup and pitching staff. 

Here are all the matchups and a series prediction.

Friday, April 28 at 7:10 p.m. CT

Aaron Nola (1-2, 5.40 ERA) vs. Framber Valdez (2-2, 2.25 ERA)

It's a battle of the aces on Friday night but only one has resembled anything like an ace and that's Valdez. Nola has struggled mightily to start the season after a long year and short spring. 

While Valdez is in a similar position, he has responded with a very encouraging beginning to the season. 

If Nola continues his skid then the Astros could be in for a huge offensive feast. 

Saturday, April 29 at 4:10 p.m. CT

Zack Wheeler (2-1, 4.73 ERA) vs. Cristian Javier (2-0, 3.21 ERA)

Usually getting the duo of Nola and Wheeler spells trouble for opposing teams, but like his co-ace, Wheeler has not lived up to his usual billing to start the year. However, he has started to round into form and a big moment against Houston might just be what he needs. 

Javier has been a solid number two guy for the Astros and will face another tough test on Saturday. 

Sunday, April 30 at 6:10 p.m. CT

Bailey Falter (0-4, 4.50 ERA) vs. Jose Urquidy (1-2, 5.64 ERA)

Welcome to Sunday Night Baseball! This is exactly the matchup ESPN was hoping for when they made this schedule. Falter, who is yet another member of the underachieving Phillies rotation will get the start against Urquidy. 

While Urquidy hasn't been great, he has started to come around. This is the biggest question mark of the series. And it's on national television. At least it should be entertaining if nothing else. 

Prediction: Houston takes the series 2-1 with wins on Friday and Saturday. Falter comes through on Sunday for Philadelphia and takes the win on ESPN.

More From SI's Inside The Astros:

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  2. Mariners Fans Inexplicably Outraged Following Houston Astros' Social Media Post About Sweep
  3. Report: Former Astros Pitcher Fiers' Contract Terminated By CPBL Club
  4. Six Houston Astros Declared Free Agents
  5. Watch: Yordan Álvarez's Home Run Wins Astros World Series
  6. Lucas Giolito Claims All Teams Were Cheating in 2017
  7. Dusty Baker Makes His Thoughts Known on Bonds and Judge Records
  8. Is it Time to Move on From the Houston Astros Cheating Scandal?
  9. Is There Any Hope for an Aging Yuli Gurriel?
  10. Astros' Álvarez Stopped Striking Out and Became the Best Hitter in Baseball

Make sure to follow Inside the Astros on Twitter @InsideAstrosSI!

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Kade Kistner
KADE KISTNER

Kade Kistner is the publisher and beat writer for Sports Illustrated's Inside the Phillies. An alumnus of Tulane University, Kade graduated in 2017 with a degree in Latin American Studies and a minor in Spanish. Upon graduation, Kade commissioned into the United States Navy and attended Naval Flight School in Pensacola, Fl. He served as a Naval Aviator and was stationed in Jacksonville, Fl. During his time in school and the Navy, Kade began covering the MLB and NFL with USA Today, SB Nation, and Sports Illustrated. Kade covered the New Orleans Saints, Texas Rangers, and numerous other teams within the Sports Illustrated network before launching Inside the Phillies, Inside the Astros, and Inside the Cubs. You can follow him on Twitter at @KadeKistner, or if you have any questions or comments he can be reached via email at kwkistner@gmail.com.

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