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Astros Seek Another Strong Start on Mound vs. White Sox
Almost three months into the season, the Houston Astros end up in a new position. Nine games behind the American League West-leading Seattle Mariners, Houston may be nearer to tracking down its personality in front of its series finale Thursday against the host Chicago White Sox. The Astros desire to remain in dispute for their eighth consecutive season finisher appearance.
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Recent Pitching Performances
In the first two games of the series, Houston’s starting pitchers Framber Valdez and Hunter Brown only gave up three runs. Brown pitched for six innings on Wednesday, giving up one run on seven hits and zero walks while also recording six strikeouts. Houston has now had three games in a row allowing less than two runs after losing 13-5 to the Detroit Tigers on Saturday.
“He was really good, efficient,” Astros manager Joe Espada said of Brown. “He just keeps getting better and better each time he’s out there.”
Astros’ Pitching Challenges
Houston’s pitching staff owns a 4.13 ERA, which ranks 20th in the majors. The Astros’ starters have been even worse, as their composite 4.48 ERA rates 22nd. On Thursday, rookie right-hander Spencer Arrighetti (3-6, 6.37 ERA) will try to extend the Astros’ recent good form on the mound. Arrighetti, who is set to face Chicago for the first time in his career, allowed seven earned runs in 1 1/3 innings in his latest outing, on Saturday against the Tigers.
Offensive Boost from Cesar Salazar
Houston received an unlikely offensive boost on Wednesday. After catcher Victor Caratini left in the third inning due to leg discomfort, Cesar Salazar drove in two runs on two hits in just his second game of the season. “It’s just due to the preparation,” Salazar said. “Our coaches do a really good job of getting us prepared for the game. … I’m just glad I could help this team win and execute when I needed to.”
White Sox’s Young Core Shows Promise
The White Sox will attempt to secure their first series win since taking two of three games against the Washington Nationals in the middle of May. Even with the least successful record in the major leagues, Chicago’s youthful nucleus is offering optimism. Although they are having their worst season ever, the White Sox have seen Garrett Crochet emerge as one of the top young pitchers in the league. The left-handed pitcher, aged 24, struck out eight batters on Wednesday, bringing his total strikeouts to 124, trailing only Los Angeles Dodgers pitcher Tyler Glasnow by one for the most strikeouts in the MLB.
Korey Lee’s Development
The White Sox are also encouraged by the progress of catcher Korey Lee, 25. “It’s coming along,” said Lee, who is batting .246 with six homers and 18 RBIs in 57 games after collecting two hits on Wednesday. “Every day I learn something, whether it’s pitch sequencing or communicating with the pitcher. Just the confidence in the game-calling, knowing our pitchers and what we have to do every single day.”
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Chris Flexen’s Struggles
Chris Flexen( 2- 6,5.35 ERA) gets the launch for Chicago on Thursday. The 29- year-old right- hander is coming off a loss to the Arizona Diamondbacks in Phoenix on Friday, when he lasted just31/3 innings, allowing six runs( four earned) on nine hits. Flexen is 1- 6 with a4.71 ERA in nine career starts against Houston.
Conclusion
As the Astros and White Sox prepare for their final game of the series, both teams have distinct objectives. The Astros aim to capitalize on their strong pitching efforts and make a push for the playoffs, while the White Sox want to see continuous growth from their budding stars. Featuring Spencer Arrighetti and Chris Flexen pitching, the game is expected to be a crucial showdown for both teams as they face the difficulties of the season.
