1* free play on the Houston Astros...
The Houston Astros have picked up the "W" in both of the first two games of this three-game set against the Los Angeles Angels at Minute Maid Park. They've now holding a one-game lead to the Halos for the AL West top spot and I think they'll pull away with another victory tonight.

Here are my keys to the game:

1. Pitching - The Angels hand the ball to Matt Shoemaker (5-7, 4.55 ERA) who's coming off six shutout innings of a 7-0 home-win against the Twins. He was torched for six runs on six hits with three homers in only three innings against the Astros back in May and is 4-1 away from home for the season despite posting a 5.06 ERA in nine outings. He may not be able to count on much run-support tonight when the Astros can counter with Scott Kazmir (6-5, 2.24 ERA) who impressed in his debut with his new club allowing only three hits in seven innings of a 3-0 win at Kansas City. He held the Angels to one run on six hits in 7 1/3 innings with the A's earlier in the season.

2. Situational - The Halos are have lost 12 of their last 14 as a road underdog and they're 1-5 in Shoemaker's last six starts following a Quality Start in his last appearance. The Astros are 7-1 in their last eight games as a favorite.

3. X-Factor - The current members of the Astros have a combined .390 batting average against Shoemaker with Jose Altuve going 4-for-7 with a double and a homer.

Selection: This is a play on the Houston Astros (Free)