This is a 7* play on HOUSTON

Houston has caught the Yankees for the best record in the American League. It's hard to imagine them not having their way with the Blue Jays this weekend in Toronto. The AL West leaders already got this series off to a positive start by winning 7-4 Friday. The Astros have now won 10 of 12 overall, a nice recovery from a five-game losing streak that preceded this stretch, and send Framber Valdez to the mound today in search of another victory. Certainly not one of the marquee names on the Houston pitching staff, Valdez's numbers aren't exactly what you'd call "good." But the rookie looked a lot better his last time around as he held the Angels to just one run and two hits in what turned out to be an 11-2 Houston win. The Toronto lineup he'll face this afternoon hits just .228 at home. The Blue Jays just don't have enough offense to compete here as Houston is averaging 8.4 runs its last seven games. Clay Buchholz is getting the start for the home team here, just his second time pitching since May. It was a right shoulder injury that kept him out and you have to wonder just how much is left in the tank at this point. Houston is 24-13 in day games this season. Play on HOUSTON

AAA