Houston Astros vs Miami Marlins Picks and Predictions July 10th 2024

Astros host Marlins, continue to seek strong finish to first half

The Houston Astros are determined to conclude the first half of the MLB season on a high note, showcasing their competitive spirit and strategic prowess against the Miami Marlins. Manager Joe Espada continues to champion starter Ronel Blanco as an All-Star candidate, underscoring Blanco’s pivotal role in the team’s recent success.

Blanco’s Impactful Performance

Blanco’s performance on Tuesday was instrumental in the Astros’ 4-3 victory over the Marlins. His seven innings of play, allowing only two runs on four hits with seven strikeouts, underscored his value to the team. This win marks the Astros’ 22nd since June 1, bringing their record to an impressive 22-11 during this period. Blanco’s consistent quality starts have helped the Astros close the gap behind the AL West-leading Seattle Mariners, reducing a ten-game deficit to just two games since June 18.

“We’re going to prepare ourselves to have another good homestand,” Espada said. “We’re playing really well at home, and we really want to carry this momentum going into the second half of the season.”

Pitching Lineup: Valdez vs. Hoeing

The Astros’ strategy to maintain their winning streak includes a solid pitching lineup. Left-hander Framber Valdez, boasting a 7-5 record with a 3.84 ERA, is set to start on Wednesday. Valdez has shown resilience and consistency, particularly since June 1, posting a 4-2 record. Despite a challenging first inning in his last outing against the Toronto Blue Jays, Valdez secured a victory, highlighting his ability to perform under pressure.

Valdez’s history against the Marlins includes a 0-2 record with a 3.29 ERA, showing potential for improvement. His most recent game against them resulted in a 5-1 loss, despite a strong individual performance with four strikeouts over 7 2/3 innings.

On the Marlins’ side, right-hander Bryan Hoeing, with a 0-1 record and a 1.99 ERA, is set to start. Hoeing, recently reinstated from the injured list, showed promise in his last start against the Chicago White Sox, despite the team’s loss. His previous performance against the Astros was also commendable, with two scoreless innings of relief in a game last August.

Jazz Chisholm Jr.’s Revival

Miami’s Jazz Chisholm Jr. is a player to watch, especially after his recent uptick in performance. After a slump during the Marlins’ homestand, Chisholm Jr. bounced back in the series opener against the Astros, going 2-for-4 with a solo home run and securing his 18th stolen base of the season. His dynamic playing style makes him a pivotal figure in the Marlins’ lineup, capable of changing the game in various ways.

“He’s the one guy in the lineup that can change the game in multiple ways,” Marlins manager Skip Schumaker said. “Jazz is a dynamic player.”

Astros’ Focus and Strategy

As the Astros prepare to face the Marlins in the remaining two games of the series, followed by a critical matchup against the Texas Rangers, their goal is clear: to build on their current momentum and solidify their standings before the All-Star break. With strategic pitching and key player performances, Houston is poised for a strong finish to the first half of the season.

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