This is a 10* play on the Houston Astros.

The Astros are just two games back in the American League Wild Card race, and they look to complete a sweep of the A's in Oakland this afternoon.

Colin McHugh will toe the slab for Houston, and he's won six straight starts. McHugh (11-10, 4.66 ERA) tossed seven scoreless innings, allowing just two hits in a 6-0 win over the Mariners his last time out. He's faced the A's three times this season, going 1-0 with a 3.63 ERA.

Oakland will hand the ball to Daniel Mengden, who has yet to win a game at home this season. Mengden (2-7, 5.68 ERA) has faced Houston twice this year, allowing nine runs on 11 hits over and seven walks over 9 2/3 innings, losing both those games.

The A's have lost five straight at home, and six of Mengden's last seven home starts. Oakland ranks just 26th in the major leagues in runs scored.

Take HOU.

GL,

Jesse Schule