The Astros take on the Nationals with Ronel Blanco facing Trevor Williams. Blanco allowed just six hits in 21 innings, and he’s not blowing away batters with strikeouts. Note the big change for his this season is a reduced dependency on the slider in favor of the change up. His better mix of these two pitches made each more effective. Williams has yet to allow a home run this season in 15 2/3 innings. Home runs were one of his weaknesses.
Aces square off in Kansas City as the Orioles send Corbin Burnes against Cole Ragans. Burnes fooled a lot of batters this season as he struck out 25 and walked only four in 23 2/3 innings. Ragans has yet to win a game despite his 1.93 ERA. Twice he pitched at least six shutout innings only to get a no-decision. One of those game was against Burnes. Ragans left with a 3-0 lead only to see the Royals bullpen allow four runs for the loss.
Enjoy!