This is an 8* SITUATIONAL BLOWOUT on the Astros.

I like the Astros to dig deep here and win this series. They have the better hitting line-up, better bullpen and better starting pitcher on the hill.

Houston turns to Jose Urquidy, who is 0-0 with a 3.86 ERA, opening this current road trip with a no-decision after allowing one run off seven hits with six K's over 5 1/3's innings vs. the Mets.

Rich Hill is 0-1 with a 10.00 ERA for the Pirates. He is coming off a no-decision as well after getting shelled for seven runs over four innings vs. the White Sox on Frida.

Look for Urquidy to guide his team to a solid victory here and lay the price with confidence.

The play is HOUSTON.

Good luck, NP