Houston at Arizona

The defending champs have played well in this series, outscoring Arizona by an 11-4 count. Houston is tops in baseball in team ERA (2.69) and fielding, while the offense is sixth in runs scored and on-base percentage. The Astros are 49-23 in interleague games, including 26-10 in interleague road games. Houston starter Justin Verlander (4-0, 1.13 ERA) had 14 strikeouts and allowed just three hits with no walks against the powerhouse New York Yankees last time out. He hasn't lost since joining Houston last year, going 9-0 with a 1.10 ERA in 12 starts. He is also 3-0 with a 2.61 ERA in three career starts against Arizona. Houston is 53-26 following a loss, plus 33-13 versus the NL West. They face an Arizona offense that has taken a step back, #24 in on-base percentage, #16 in slugging, and #17 in runs scored. Despite a long home stand, the Diamondbacks have a losing record the last seven games. Houston is 45-20 in interleague play since manager A.J. Hinch took over in 2015, so back the talented visitors. Play Houston.