There was not much pressure on the Houston Astros heading into the playoffs as not much was expected from them following a lackluster regular season. They sure have everyone's attention now though after sweeping the Twins in the Wild Card round and winning the first two games of this ALDS against the Oakland Athletics.

Houston righty Jose Urquidy (1-1, 2.73 ERA) is coming off a solid month of September during which he posted a 2.73 ERA, and only 22 hits allowed over 29 2/3 innings of work. Urquidy made one start against Oakland in the regular season, holding it to a pair of runs on two hits and a .100 AVG over six innings.

The A's hand the ball to Jesus Luzardo (3-2, 4.12 ERA) who has allowed three runs or more in three of his last four starts. He gave up three runs on six hits in 3 1/3 frames of a 4-1 loss against the White Sox in the Wild Card round.

Luzardo posted a solid 2.84ERA in two regular season starts against Houston, but this looks like a completely different team in the playoffs.

10* play on Houston Astros.