Rating: 10/10*

The Houston Astros seek to end a three-game slide when they visit Lone Star State rivals Texas Rangers for the opener of a three-game set Friday night.

The Astros hand the ball to right-hander Charlie Morton (9-4, 3.78 ERA) who is coming off three consecutive quality starts. He's 8-2 with a 3.35 ERA in 13 night games on the season and I think Morton will be solid tonight.

The Rangers turn to left-hander Cole Hamels (6-1, 3.59 ERA) who had been charged with 15 runs through 17 1/3 innings in his past three starts prior to holding Minnesota to one run on four hits while going the distance his last time out.

It will be tough for Hamels to follow up on that monster performance, and note that Houston is 9-2 in its last 11 games vs. a starter with a WHIP less than 1.15 while the Rangers are 0-5 in Hamels' last five starts vs. a team with a winning record.

My selection is a 10* *GAME OF THE WEEK* selection on the Houston Astros ML.