The Astros visit the Rays in San Diego in the opening of the American League Championship Series (ALCS). First pitch goes off at 7:37 EDT, 4:37 EDT, so it will be a bit of a day game. Framber Valdez gets the start for Houston, while Blake Snell takes the hill for Tampa Bay.

Valdez’s post-season career got off to a good start with a five-inning relief win against the Twins, then he started and won game two of the ALDS against the Athletics. He allowed just seven hits in twelve innings, walking three and striking out nine. Note that the only two runs against him came on solo home runs. Almost all the offense against him came with the bases empty, as opponents are one for eight with a single and a walk with men on base.

Snell received his first taste of the playoffs in 2019, and makes his sixth post-season appearance. He’s already run the gamut of outcomes, with two wins, a loss, and a save. Overall he pitched well, with a 2.81 ERA in sixteen innings, walk four, striking out 20, but allowing four home runs. Note that three of those appearance came against Houston, so despite not facing the Astros in 2020, he is familiar with the team.

Like Valdez, most of the offense against Snell in the post-season came with the bases empty. Opponents are 0 for 9 with runners in scoring position, and one for fifteen with men on base, with a single, two walks, and a sacrifice fly. The winner of this game may very well be the team with the most solo homers.

Enjoy!