Orioles at Astros
The Houston Astros look to register their eighth win in nine games when they host the Baltimore Orioles on Saturday for the middle contest of their three-game series. Houston posted a 4-3, 11-inning victory on Friday to improve to 44-21, which matches the best 65-game start in franchise history (2017).
Robinson Chirinos' home-run streak ended at four contests, but he delivered the game-winning RBI double as the Astros posted their second straight extra-inning victory after topping Seattle in 14 frames on Thursday. Tony Kemp belted a two-run homer and Josh Reddick added a solo shot as Houston prevailed despite Alex Bregman and Michael Brantley both suffering through 0-for-5 performances. Baltimore has dropped seven of nine games and 22 of its last 28 as it is saddled with a major league-worst 19-44 record. Rio Ruiz recorded a two-run single after failing to drive in a run in his previous 16 games while Chance Sisco hit a solo homer.
TV: 4:10 p.m. ET, MASN (Baltimore), AT&T SportsNet-Southwest (Houston)
PITCHING MATCHUP: Orioles RH Andrew Cashner (6-2, 5.04 ERA) vs. Astros LH Framber Valdez (2-2, 3.12)
Cashner had his start pushed back two days due to leg soreness. The 32-year-old has won his last two outings despite allowing 11 runs and 16 hits over 10 innings during that stretch. Cashner is 3-7 with a 3.92 ERA in 16 career appearances (eight starts) versus Houston and has shut down Reddick (1-for-15) and Bregman (1-for-12).
Valdez is making his first start of this season and the sixth of his career. The 25-year-old has made 14 relief appearances this season and won the latest as he tossed four scoreless innings against the Mariners on Monday. Valdez has recorded 55 strikeouts in 63 innings but also has issued 37 walks.
WALK-OFFS
1. Reddick notched two hits on Friday for his fourth multi-hit performance in his last seven games.
2. Baltimore placed Dwight Smith Jr. on the 7-day concussion list and recalled fellow OF Anthony Santander from Triple-A Norfolk.
3. Houston recalled LHP Cionel Perez, who picked up the win with three perfect innings on Friday, from Round Rock and optioned RHP Brady Rodgers to the Triple-A affiliate.