Rays @ Astros Game 5 Preview and Predictions

Game 5 of the ALDS between the Rays and Astros is tonight. The local hometown Rays radio call will be aired on 770am with Andy Freed, Dave Wills, and Neil Solondz. Watch the game on FS1 with first pitch at 7:07. Let’s start breaking it down.

• Starters: Tyler Glasnow (TB; 0-1) vs. Gerrit Cole (HOU; 1-0)

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  This is a classic matchup between power pitchers. Both Cole and Glasnow are top-5 in the MLB in 4-seam fastball velocity (Glasnow- 97mph, Cole- 97.2mph). Cole has been better this postseason with a 0.00 ERA and a 0.65 WHIP. Glasnow is bringing in a 4.15 ERA this postseason with a 1.62 WHIP.

• Offenses

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  Neither team hits hard throwers well; Tampa ranks 28th in BA, 27th in OPS and 27th in hard-hit percentage against 95mph pitches. Houston isn't much better; they rank 21st in Batting Average, 16th in OPS and 25th in Hard Hit Percentage against 95mph pitches. .

• Houston’s Impact Player: George Springer

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  Springer started the series going 0-13. He turned it around in Game 4 going 2-4. He does have 4 hits in winner-take-all postseason games
• Tampa’s Impact Player: Tommy Pham

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  Pham has had historically good numbers against Cole: .476 career BA vs Gerrit Cole (10-21, HR); highest Cole has allowed to any player he’s faced 20 times

• What’s at Stake

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  Astros: seeking 7th trip to an LCS in franchise history (made each of previous 2). Rays: seeking 2nd trip to LCS in franchise history (won 2008 ALCS vs Red Sox, lost in 2008 WS to Phillies)

• Astros Winner Take All History

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  4-4 in winner-take-all games (won last 2 – Game 7 of 2017 WS and Game 7 of 2017 ALCS)
• Rays Winner Take All History

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  3-1 in winner-take-all postseason games (Tied with D-backs for best record all-time, min. 3 WTA games)

• Predictions

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  Craig: Astros win 8-4; Pete: Astros win 6-3; Chirs: Rays win 5-3