Houston at Chicago

Houston is on a 38-18 run ranked second in the majors in pitching ERA (3.03). The offense is Top 10 in runs scored, #11 in on-base percentage, and fifth in slugging, while the defense is Top 10 in fielding. Justin Verlander (1.85 ERA) is having another dominant season with a 1.58 ERA on the road. The Astros are 26-12 against winning teams, 12-5 on the road versus winning teams, plus 41-17 after a defeat. Chicago is #14 in pitching ERA (3.87) and #26 in fielding, while the offense is #17 in runs scored, #18 in on-base percentage and slugging. The White Sox are a .500 team at home and just 13-18 at home against a starting pitcher who gives up 5.5 or fewer hits per start. With Houston on a 20-9 run against the White Sox, back the talented and balanced visitors. Play Houston.