Houston at Minnesota

Don't give up on the defending champs! Talented Houston started 6-8 last year and wound up winning the whole thing. The Astros are on a 56-32 run on the road, plus 38-14 following a loss. Starter Luis Garcia is 3-1 with a 2.66 ERA versus Minnesota, including a 2.89 ERA here at Target Field. Houston is also 47-15 in day games and has won six of the last seven versus the Twins. Minnesota won four straight to open the year against weak competition (Kansas City, Miami) but has now lost two of three. Starter Joe Ryan has a 9.00 ERA versus the Astros, losing 5-0 to them last May at home. The Twins are 38-47 after having won four or five of their last six, plus 58-72 against teams with a bullpen WHIP of 1.350 or better. Play Houston.