Texas at Houston

Last place Texas is struggling badly on a 10-36 run! Texas outfielder Alex Rios missed the first two games after aggravating an ankle injury, and recent acquisition Mike Carp was forced to leave Saturday's loss with a groin strain. Rangers rookie righty Nick Martinez (1-8, 5.31 ERA) is awful with the Rangers at 0-9 in his last nine starts. The Rangers are 7-19 in their last 26 games vs. a left-handed starter and face Houston ace southpaw Dallas Keuchel (10-7, 2.89 ERA). He has yielded a combined two earned runs over his last three starts, including his fourth complete game of the season against Oakland on July 30. One of those complete games was a seven-hit shutout on May 13 against the Rangers. The Astros are 16-5 in Keuchel's last 21 starts with four days of rest. Houston has won seven straight games against Texas, and the Astros have won five straight at home, so the home team in this state rivalry holds all the cards. Play Houston!