Astros Look to Extend Hot Streak Against Wild Card-Chasing Diamondbacks

The Houston Astros are coming off a big win Friday night, reaching four games over .500 for the first time all season. Now they look to keep it going as they continue their series against the Arizona Diamondbacks. Arizona Diamondbacks @ Houston Astros6:15 PM CT | Daikin Park Houston enters at 73-69, holding onto the top spot in the AL West, while Arizona sits at 74-68. Here is a look at the pitching matchup: Ethan Pecko (1-0, 6.23 ERA, 9 SO) takes the mound for Houston, making just the third start of his big-league career. He picked up his first career win in his last outing against the Mets, and the Astros will be looking for him to build on that as he continues adjusting to the big-league mound. Having another truly reliable arm in the rotation would be huge, and it looks like Pecko could possibly be the guy. Brandon Pfaadt (7-2, 3.49 ERA, 73 SO) takes the mound for the Diamondbacks. He's been one of Arizona's most reliable arms this season, a real turnaround after an early-season demotion to Triple-A. Since working his way back into the rotation, he's been consistently good, and this is exactly the kind of matchup he's built his season on. Definitely someone the Astros can't get caught sleeping on. That being said, definitely someone the Astros can handle. This team has been up and down all season, so a hot streak like this is exactly what they needed. Pitching's been carrying this team lately, which is shocking, considering it's been a weak spot for a good chunk of the season. Seven of the last nine games, they've held the other team to three runs or fewer. A crucial shift for this team. If Pecko can give them length tonight the way Javier did Friday, the Astros should be in good shape for Saturday night's matchup. Best Newest first Oldest first