The Atlanta Braves had the Houston Astros on the ropes in Game 5, up 4-0 in the first, but couldn’t finish it, allowing Houston to crawl back and win, 9-5. Tonight the series will switch to Houston and the Astros will have momentum on their side as well as 41,000 fans to back them. Lefty Max Fried is expected to take the hill for Atlanta. Fried was lit up the last time he faced Houston in Game 2, allowing 6 runs on 7 hits over 5 innings of work, and the Astros rolled to a 7-2 victory. Houston is expected to counter with Luis García. García allowed 1 run over 3-2/3 innings in Game 3 and will be on short rest, so any sign of trouble he’ll get the hook. Having their backs against the wall is nothing new for the Astros. They are also 5-1 in their last 6 interleague home games against a left-handed starter and 7-2 in their last 9 playoff games at Minute Maid Park. The Braves had their opportunity on Sunday to close it out but squandered it and that could come back to bite them.
TONIGHT’S PICK: HOUSTON ASTROS