This is a 10* on HOUSTON

Houston’s back is against the wall now as they trail three games to one. They must now beat Atlanta three straight times. The good news is that if they win tonight, not only do they stay alive, but the remaining games would be at home. The Astros have scored just two runs in two games in Atlanta. But we think the lineup wakes up from its slumber in Game 5. We know that the Braves have won 11 straight home games. But the Astros have to start hitting better with runners in scoring position (they are 0 for their last 17 in that situation). Atlanta’s pitching has done a great job so far in the series. But the relievers have had a heavy workload that may catch up with them in the end. No team in MLB history has gone 8-0 at home in the postseason. Matzek, Jackson and Smith have all thrown in each of the last two games. As of this writing, the Braves still haven’t announced a starter. No matter who it ends up being, we look for Houston to at least double its scoring output from the last two games. We also trust Framber Valdez to get the job done. He’s been better on the road all year and won the close-out game vs. Boston in the ALCS, giving up one run and three hits in eight innings. Play on HOUSTON

AAA