After getting blown out 10-1 Tuesday, the Astros need to bounce back. They keep getting a hint of momentum and then turn around and get dominated. They need momentum that lasts longer than a game or two. They have a chance to take the series against the Angels, but after a double-digit loss like Tuesday, that is a tough way to head into a must-win game.
Peter Lambert takes the mound tonight against Reid Detmers in the series finale. A series win would go a long way for a team trying to build momentum.
Lambert is 5-4 with a 3.55 ERA, per MLB. He has been one of the pleasant surprises of the season, and nobody expected much from a minor league free agent, but he has delivered for the most part. He needs to be particularly sharp tonight after Teng's rough outing yesterday. If the pitching falls apart, the Astros fall apart.
Reid Detmers is 2-5 with a 4.26 ERA, per MLB. A favorable matchup on paper for the Astros. The Angels are 26-42. This is absolutely a winnable game.
Astros are 31-38 and need to start stringing wins together. This is exactly the kind of game they need to win against a weaker opponent. Hunter Brown returning next week makes the timing even more important.
The Astros showed Monday they can win dramatic games. Tuesday showed they can also get blown out. Tonight is about showing which version of this team shows up. The season is going to get away from them real fast if they don't stop with the constant ups and downs.
