Nathan Eovaldi (6-2, 4.95 ERA) heads back to his birth place as he takes on Vincent Velasquez (0-0, 4.15 ERA) and the Astros. Eovaldi followed up his disastrous 2/3 inning eight run start against the Marlins with a solid outing against Detroit. He went six innings giving up two runs on three hits and one walk. This will be his second career start against Houston.
The rookie Velasquez is making his fourth start still looking for a W. He only lasted 3 1/3 innings against the Mariners giving up one run on two hits and 93 pitches. He has trouble being efficient, as he hasn’t gone longer than five innings yet. He had a 43 pitch first inning in that Mariner start issuing four walks in his third no decision to start his career.
It was very overwhelming and took a toll on me. I just have to do a better job of executing on those put-out pitches. There was some mislocations that led to foul balls. I didn’t locate in, I missed away. I still get that bit of adrenaline rush every once in a while. In the Minor Leagues, you get away with those pitches. -Vincent Velasquez
Velasquez has pitched five innings or fewer and had five or more strikeouts in each of his first three career starts. The only other pitcher to post similar numbers was Hideo Nomo in 1995.
Tidbits:
Eovaldi has matched his career high with six wins on the season.
The Astros and Yanks are the top two home run hitting teams in the Majors.
Chris Young has an eight game hitting streak going.
8:10 pm on Yes.
