Astros at Reds
The host Cincinnati Reds seek a three-game winning streak for the first time in well over a month and can give the Houston Astros their first three-game losing streak in nearly two months when the teams play the second of three straight Tuesday night. The Reds took the opener of the interleague set 3-2 behind six solid innings by Luis Castillo and two RBIs from rookie Nick Senzel.
Cincinnati has taken 43 of the last 62 meetings with its former National League Central and NL West rivals. Justin Verlander, who set a career high with 15 strikeouts in his previous start, will take the mound for Houston on Tuesday opposite fellow right-hander Anthony DeSclafani. Verlander will hope for a little more support from an Astros lineup that has produced two runs on 11 hits during the club's two-game slide. Star second baseman Jose Altuve (hamstring) should provide a big boost for Houston with a return either Tuesday or Wednesday, according to manager A.J. Hinch.
TV: 7:10 p.m. ET, AT&T SportsNet Southwest (Houston), FS Ohio (Cincinnati)
PITCHING MATCHUP: Astros RH Justin Verlander (9-2, 2.41 ERA) vs. Reds RH Anthony DeSclafani (3-3, 4.43)
Verlander had zero walks while recording the 15 strikeouts in seven innings of a no-decision against Milwaukee on Wednesday. However, he did allow three home runs and is giving up 1.5 per nine innings, which would represent the highest mark of his stellar career. The 36-year-old carries an incredible 34-7 interleague record into his second career start against the Reds.
After posting a 5.59 ERA in May, DeSclafani has allowed a total of two runs in 10 2/3 innings through his first two starts this month. He won for the first time since May 6 with 5 2/3 solid innings at Cleveland his last time out. The University of Florida product, who has never faced the Astros, owns a 4.27 ERA in nine career interleague starts.
WALK-OFFS
1. Reds RHP Michael Lorenzen notched his third save of the year by getting the final two outs Monday night.
2. Astros 3B Alex Bregman is 4-for-29 over his last nine games.
3. Cincinnati has won 16 of the last 19 series between the teams.