This is a 10* AL BEST OF THE BEST on the Astros.

Houston comes in hungry to break a five-game slide.

The Mariners come in coplacent after winning five of their last six, including two in a row. Seattle has been on the road for six straight, and gone 5-1 in that span.

The M's though are just 3-3 at home, while the Astros are 5-1 on the road.

Jose Urquidy gave up four runs off seven hits over six innings in a loss to the A's on Saturday. He also struck seven. He's had success against the M's in the past.

The Mariners have caught a few clubs by surprise in the early going and while Yusei Kikuchi has been better than most thought, note that Houston is a ridiculous 42-11 in its last 53 following a day off.

I think Houston is the better team. I believe Seattle's been playing "over its head" and the return home to friendly confines will in fact be a detriment to these young players.

Look for the "hungrier" team to deliver. The play is the ASTROS.

Good luck, NP