The Houston Astros have a slim lead over the Texas Rangers and the Seattle Mariners for the top spot in the AL West, and if they want to keep it, they cannot afford to lose to bottom feeders like the Kansas City Royals and they know it. After losing Game 1 of their 3-game set to the Royals last night, 4-2, at the K, I expect Dusty Baker will have his boys ready and they bounce back tonight. The expected starter for the Stros is the rookie J.P. France and he has been dealing. France is 11-5 with a 3.61 ERA, a 1.32 WHIP, and in his last turn against a potent San Diego offense he allowed just 1 run on 4 hits over 6 innings and Houston went on to a 12-2 romp. On the flip side, KC is expected to send leftie Cole Ragans to the bump. Ragans’ numbers are good at 6-4, with a 3.01 ERA and a 1.11 WHIP but he is 0-2 in his career against Houston with a 5.56 ERA. The Astros are 6-0 in France’s last 6 starts against a team with a losing record, 5-0 in his last 5 road starts,10-2 in his last 12 starts overall and have the edge in runs per game, run differential, batting average, hits, home runs, and so on.
TONIGHT’S PICK: HOUSTON ASTROS