The Houston Astros will be happy to return home after a brutal road trip that saw them drop seven of nine games. The good news for Houston his that they still sit in first place in the AL West as the Angels have also struggled, and they will send their ace to the mound tonight in the first game of a 10 game home stand.

Here are my keys to the game:

1. Pitching - The Astros hand the ball to Dallas Keuchel, who is looking to bounce back from a tough loss on the road at Oakland. Keuchel (13-6, 2.40 ERA) allowed three runs on 10 hits over 7.2 innings in a 3-1 loss to the A's. He can match Felix Hernandez for first in the American League with his 14th win tonight. The Tigers hand the ball to Alfredo Simon, who has surrendered four or more runs in seven of his last eight starts. He owns an ERA of 5.64 in 11 starts on the road.

2. Home Cookin' - The Astros recent struggles have mostly been on the road, they are still one of the best home teams in baseball with a record of 38-18 at Minute Maid Park. Keuchel is a perfect 10-0 with a 1.26 ERA in 12 starts in Houston this year.

3. X-Factor - The Tigers are 1-4 in their last 5 games vs. a left-handed starter.

Selection: This is a play on the Houston Astros -1.5 (10*)