Tampa Bay at Houston

Third straight road game for Tampa Bay, losing the first two by an 11-6 count. The offense is weak at #24 in scoring and #27 in on-base percentage. The Rays are 16-40 against a winning team, plus on a 6-21 run on the road. Hard luck Chris Archer (7-17) has struggled all season away from home at 4-8 with a 5.97 ERA. Houston is home and ranked #13 in runs scored, and is on a nice 7-1 run. Saturday’s 6-2 victory pulled Houston to within two games of the American League's second wild card spot. The Astros are 45-20 at home vs. a team with a losing record, as well as 28-9 against a losing team. Doug Fister (12-8, 3.59 ERA) earned the win on Monday by shutting out the Pirates for seven innings. He allowed just three hits, walked one, and struck out six as the team is 15-6 his last 21 starts. Play Houston.