Courtesy: ESPN
In just a few hours, the Houston Astros and Cleveland Indians will finish their three-game weekend series, and the series’ rubber match will be broadcast live tonight on ESPN.
The American League Central-leading Indians (22 – 22) take on the American League West-leading (and defending World Series Champion) Houston Astros (29 – 18) in the closer of the teams’ series as part of ESPN’s Sunday Night Baseball presented by Taco Bell. Broadcast of tonight’s game is scheduled to start at 8 p.m.
Matt Vasgersian will have the call for tonight’s game. He will be joined in the booth by analysts Jessica Mendoza and Alex Rodriguez for additional commentary. Reporter Buster Olney will be on hand for all of the latest in-game news and interviews.
Tonight’s broadcast will be preceded by Baseball Tonight: Sunday Night Countdown presented by Chevrolet. The pre-game broadcast starts at 7 p.m. ET on ESPN.
Carlos Carrasco (5 – 2 so far on the season) is expected to get the start for Cleveland. His last time taking the mound was May 14 against Detroit. He took the loss in that 6 – 3 loss to the Tigers, allowing 3 runs on 6 hits, 3 earned runs, 1 home run, 2 walks (one being intentional), and four strikeouts. While those numbers are not bad, Carrasco will be looking to get a fresh start tonight when he takes the mound for the Indians.
Lance McCullers, Jr. (5-2) is expected to start for Houston. He was also last on the mound May 14. In his case, his last game was against the Angels, who won that game 2 – 1 against the Astros. McCullers allowed 2 runs on 4 hits over 6 innings in that game, as well as 2 earned runs and 2 walks. He struck out 6 batters over that time. Since he has had time to rest up, he will be looking for his own fresh start tonight.
Tonight’s game is another one that could go either way in looking at the numbers. the Astros have played far better on the road so far this season, going 16 – 7 on the road while the team has been more tepid at home, going 13 – 11. The Indians meanwhile have been better at home (13 – 9) than on the road (9 – 13).
Houston has gone 7 – 3 in its last 10 games while Cleveland has gone 5 – 5 in its last 10 games, with its most recent being a win against Houston.
More information on tonight’s broadcast and all of ESPN’s Sunday Night Baseball presented by Taco Bell games is available online now along with all of the latest MLB headlines at http://www.espn.com/mlb.
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