The Astros and Giants face off for the first time tonight this season in San Francisco. It will be the first game of a four game series.
Barry Zito will start against Roy Oswalt. Both of these pitchers are off to disappointing seasons. Zito is 0-7 with a 6.95 ERA while Oswalt is 3-3 with a 5.33 ERA.
Oswalt has given up 11 homers this season. There is a good chance the Giants can hit one or two home runs off him tonight. John Bowker could have a chance to do some damage against Oswalt. Lefties are hitting .363 off of Oswalt so Bowker should be licking his chops. Oswalt is only 2-5 lifetime against the Giants.
Ray Durham, Fred Lewis, and Rich Aurilia all have had success against Oswalt in the past. Jose Castillo ( 1 for 14) and Omar Vizquel (1 for 13) have struggled against Oswalt.
Zito might bring the element of surprise against Houston tonight. Lance Berkman has never faced Zito. The only two batters that have had many at bats against Zito are Darin Erstad (13 for 49) and Carlos Lee ( 9 for 30). Those two faced Zito often when they were all in the American League.
Zito needs to control his curveball and fastball tonight in order to be successful. If he gets into hitter's counts, he will be in for a long evening. He can expect to hear boos if he gets into a jam. The fans will be supportive of Zito in the start, but if he lets them down again, he will be booed mercilessly.
Oswalt needs to continue striking out batters and he has to try not to give up the long ball.
The Astros are on fire after sweeping the Dodgers and the Giants are coming off a series win over the Phillies.
Gametime is 7:15 pm.
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