Houston enters this game 7-18 on the season and 3-9 on the road. Houston has lost 7 of their last 8 games. Houston is starting Justin Verlander in this game who is 1-0 in 1 start with a 3.00 ERA allowing 4 hits and 2 runs over 6 innings against Washington.

Chicago enters this game 15-9 on the season and 9-3 at home. Chicago has won 8 of their last 11 games. Chicago is starting Javier Assad in this game who is 2-0 in 4 starts with a 2.11 ERA allowing 5 earned runs over 21.1 innings with 21 strikeouts.

These teams are going in different directions. The only reason Chicago is a dog in this game is because Justin Verlander is starting this game. Gimme the hot home team at home as a dog.

Pick: Chicago Cubs ML