The Angels sit just one game back of Oakland in the AL West, and they will look to close the gap here as they begin a three game series versus the Astros in Houston. LA has won four of six on the road so far, while the Astros are 2-4 at home. I like the visitors as a slight favorite tonight.

Here are my keys to game:

1. Pitching - Jered Weaver will get the nod for the visitors, still in search of his first victory of the season. The right-hander was roughed up by the Mariners and Royals in his first two starts, but a trip to Houston should provide a more favorable match-up. The Astros will counter with Roberto Hernandez, who did not impress in his first start of the season. The veteran was torched for five runs on five hits over just 4.2 innings in a loss to Texas.

2. Batter vs. Pitcher - Mike Trout is swinging a hot bat so far this season, hitting .438. He was 3-for-4 at the plate yesterday, and he's batting .375 with a pair of home runs lifetime versus Hernandez.

3. X-Factor - Texas relief pitchers have surrendered 19 runs so far this season, that's more than double what the Angels bullpen is responsible for (8).

Selection: This is a play on the LA Angels (10*)