The Astros look to take the series tonight at Daikin Park. Here is a look at the pitching matchup and where the Astros stand.
Tatsuya Imai (5-3, 5.36 ERA) faces Twins RHP Taj Bradley (6-3, 3.98 ERA), per MLB. A win tonight would make it six straight series wins for Houston.
Here is a look at Imai's season so far:
Imai has had a rocky start to the season and has shown clear signs of how much he has struggled with the adjustment from Japan to the United States. Between the traveling, the feel of the mound, and even his eating schedule, the transition posed a challenge for Imai as he adjusted to his new lifestyle.
Since returning from the IL, Imai has looked more and more like the pitcher the Astros signed him to be. It took some time to get there, and for a while it was hard to see why he was considered the most hyped addition to Houston's roster. But the combined no-hitter and his recent outings have started to answer that question. His last start against Cleveland was one of his best of the season, striking out 11 batters and walking none. Tonight is a chance to prove that performance was not a one-off, and that the Imai the Astros have been waiting for is finally here to stay.
As for the Twins, they have Taj Bradley stepping up to the mound. He is 6-3 with a 3.98 ERA. He has been one of the steadier arms in Minnesota's rotation. A tough matchup, but the Astros' offense is hot right now, and Imai seems to have settled in.
The Astros are 2 games back of the AL West lead. A sixth consecutive series win would be a massive statement. The momentum from this stretch could carry them through the second half.
Imai has shown he can be dominant when everything is clicking, and tonight is a great test for him. Tonight is another big opportunity for this team to keep the streak alive. They may be struggling to string together consecutive wins, but the series wins are no small thing and represent a great improvement from what they looked like earlier this season. The Astros have turned a corner, and they need to hold on tight if they want to secure a spot in the playoffs.
