This is a 10* play on HOUSTON

Houston has some nice advantages coming into tonight's home opener, one being they are simply a more talented team than the A's. Now the respective won-loss records might say otherwise, but we know it's still (very) early in the season. Houston had yesterday off while Oakland was hosting Boston. The A's won 7-3, their sixth win in eight games after starting the year with a couple losses over in Japan. But they haven't been on the road since playing in Japan and tonight will be a big test. They send Frankie Montas to the bump and he has a 7.74 ERA in four career appearances vs. the Astros. Houston goes with Collin McHugh, who is 8-1 with a 2.74 ERA in 17 career appearances vs. the A's. Houston is priced low for being at home and that's probably due to a disappointing 2-5 start. But they'll get back on track in short order, starting with a win Friday night. Play on HOUSTON

AAA