Houston at Tampa Bay

Defending champion Houston is on a 10-5 run winning five times as an underdog, including a 5-0 victory yesterday as a +155 dog. Houston's offense is seventh in the majors in runs scored, and 11th in on-base percentage, while the pitching staff is fourth in ERA (3.30) and fourth in the bullpen (3.04), plus the defense is fourth in fielding. Starter Hunter Brown (3.09 ERA) has been very good both home and away with 24 Ks in 23+ innings holding batters to a .233 average. The Astros are on a 48-23 run on the road, 61-24 against winning teams, as well as 11-4 on the road versus a righty starter. Tampa Bay righty Calvin Faucher (5.91 ERA) has a 7.50 ERA at home and last season had a 5.48 ERA overall. Houston has won seven of the last nine meetings against Tampa Bay, so back the defending champs. Bet Houston on the run line - Max Play