Diamondbacks-Astros series preview: Didn’t we just play them?

May 31, 2014; Houston, TX, USA; Houston Astros starting pitcher Dallas Keuchel (60) pitches during the second inning against the Baltimore Orioles at Minute Maid Park. Mandatory Credit: Andrew Richardson-USA TODAY Sports

The Diamondbacks will once again play the Houston Astros, this time at Minute Maid Park in a two game series beginning tonight. Major League baseball has done this alot with interleague series and I think its kind of cool: play two games in one teams ballpark, and then turn around and play two games in the other teams park. The Dbacks have won or split 8 of their past 11 series and this time the Snakes will be looking for the series sweep. It is easier said than done against Houston these days.

Game 1: RHP Brandon McCarthy vs. LHP Keuchel

McCarthy is the major’s loss leader and part of that isn’t even his fault. I dont know if I have ever seen a pitcher run into so much bad luck in one season. When McCarthy really pitches well, he gets absolutely no run support, and when he pitches poorly, its usually one inning that really hurts him. This has to change in both cases, or maybe Arizona isn’t the right fit for him…Keuchel after having an era over 5 last season, has developed into an ace, and one of the best pitchers in the American League. Keuchel is one of the many reasons why the Astros are a better team this year. He threw six scoreless against the Twins picking up the win in his last start. Overall he is 6-2 with a 2.29 era.

Game 2: LHP Wade Miley vs. RHP Scott Feldman

Miley has not gotten a win since May 10th when he defeated the Whitesox in Chicago and is due for win. He was strong in his last outing picking up a no decision after allowing just one run over six innings. This time the Dbacks need to get him some run support. In his last start Feldman gave up 9 runs over 5.1 innings against Baltimore.

Series Prediction: The Dbacks love playing on the road, and obviously the Snakes want to start the roadtrip off on a strong note. A sweep is possible, but I think the pitching matchup is to much in game 1. The Dbacks however get Miley some runs and he finally picks up a win as the Snakes split another series with the Astros before heading off to Los Angeles.