Streaking and Slumping Pitchers
Streaking
Jon Lester, Boston Red Sox
Lester’s recent gems are a big reason why bettors can never count the Red Sox out. The left-hander has led the team to wins in his last four trips to the mound.
Since the All-Star break, Lester has posted 3.02 ERA and a WHIP of 1.14. He’s also totaled 196 strikeouts on the season, which is a team record for the BoSox. Lester overtook Bruce Hurst’s 1987 franchise record for left-handers. He pitched six innings against the Rays, allowing two runs and striking out nine batters.
Jonathan Sanchez, San Francisco Giants
Sanchez was just what the Giants needed – another lights-out pitcher.
The young lefty has been stellar on the bump for San Francisco. But, like his pitching peers, has suffered at the hands of the team’s lackluster offense. In his last three starts, Sanchez has a 1-1 record despite a 2.00 ERA, 25 strikeouts and just 11 hits allowed.
In his last trip to the bump, Sanchez gave up just one run on three hits while striking out eight batters. However, the Giants could muster just two hits and were shutout 1-0 by the Phillies.
Slumping
Derek Holland, Texas Rangers
Holland can’t be happy facing another AL East foe Sunday. His last two starts, against the Blue Jays and Yankees, proved disastrous for the rookie.
He allowed 10 earned runs on seven hits in just three innings of work against Toronto this past Monday. The start before that, the southpaw was knocked around for six earned runs on seven hits in six innings versus New York.
Holland has been susceptible to the long ball in recent appearance, allowing seven home runs in his last four starts.
Bud Norris, Houston Astros
Houston is hoping some extra time off can help Bud Norris forget about his past two trips to the rubber.
Norris will start on seven-days rest Sunday after the team skipped his turn in the rotation. The rookie has surpassed his career high pitch count and could be feeling a little worn out heading into the home stretch.
In his last two appearances, Norris has allowed a combined 12 earned runs in just six innings of work. The righty has struggled with his control, walking seven batters in those games and watching his pitch counts climb into the high 90’s despite limited work.
