Houston at Texas

This is a short road trip for Houston, with high stakes. The Astros have the third-best road mark in the majors, currently riding a streak of six-straight road victories. Framber Valdez (3.38 ERA) is holding batters to a .229 average with 164 Ks in 167+ innings. Houston is Top 10 in pitching ERA (3.96) and in the bullpen, while the offense is fifth in runs scored and sixth in on-base percentage. The Astros are on a 43-27 run on the road, including 65-44 away versus righty starters. Meanwhile, Texas is ranked 17th in pitching ERA (4.18) and 24th in the pen (4.86 ERA) on a 4-13 slide. Nathan Eovaldi (forearm) makes his first start in seven weeks and the Rangers are on a 59-84 run in the second half of the season, plus 31-42 after four or more straight home games. Make it a Max Play on Houston.