Series Preview: Houston Astros Visit Twins On Easter Weekend

The Houston Astros will travel and face the Minnesota Twins for a three-game series over Easter Weekend. The series was supposed to begin on Thursday, but the game was postponed to Friday due to inclement weather.

The Astros dropped their series to the Detroit Tigers, but were able to secure a dominate 8-2 victory on Wednesday. They will look to capitalize off of the momentum.

Here is how the pitching lines up and what to expect.

Friday, April 7

José Urquidy (0-0, 6.75 ERA) vs. Sonny Gray (1-0, 0,00 ERA)

Urquidy had a rough first start to open the 2023 MLB season when he gave up three earned runs in 4.0 innings. It was the story of the Astros rotation the first time through. He is a talented pitcher, but he must execute, especially as the third pitcher in the rotation.

Gray on the other hand had a solid outing against the Miami Marlins to open the season pitching 5.0 innings of scoreless baseball.

Houston's offense will need to produce as it did on Wednesday for it to have a chance on Friday. Urquidy will also need to execute his game plan.

Saturday, April 8:

Luis Garcia (0-1, 5.40 ERA) vs. Joe Ryan (1-0, 1.50 ERA)

Garcia is another Astros starter who began the season with a lackluster season. Over the course of 5.0 innings, Garcia gave up three earned runs. He will look to get back on track against a powerful Twins lineup.

Ryan on the other hand, much like his counterparts in Minnesota's rotation, had an encouraging first outing.

Once again, Houston's offense will need to be at their best to get to Ryan and give the club a chance.

Sunday, April 9:

Hunter Brown (0-0, 7.71 ERA) vs. Tyler Mahle (1-0, 1.80 ERA)

More of the same on Easter Sunday. Brown needs to get back on track after the rookie had a, wait if I have already said this, rough outing in his first go around.

Mahle, again already said this, had an excellent first outing going 5.0 innings pitched and gave up just one earned run.

The recipe for success for Houston will be to put good at-bats together, work the Twins pitching staff, and try to put some power on the baseball.

If the Astros offense shows up like it did on Wednesday, then they will have a chance. If Houston's offense and pitching perform as they did the first six games, then they will have a tough time against the Twins.

Minnesota, on paper, is a strong American League contender, much like the Chicago White Sox and won't simply lay down.

The Astros are the hunted and everyone is gunning for their number. It will be no different on Easter weekend.

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