The Orioles have lost three in a row at Minute Maid Park, and they will need to beat the Astros ace today if they are to avoid the sweep. They did just that only two weeks ago in Baltimore, and I wouldn't be surprised to see them pull it off again here in Houston.

Here are my keys to the game:

1. Pitching - The Astros hand the ball to Dallas Keuchel, who has only lost once so far this season. Keuchel (7-1, 1.76 ERA) surrendered four runs on six hits over eight innings in a 4-3 loss at Baltimore on April 25. The Orioles hand the ball to Wei-Yin Chen, who has been pitching far better than his record shows. Chen (1-4, 3.21 ERA) didn't factor in the decision in his only previous start versus Houston, but prior to that he was 3-0 with a 2.75 ERA in three starts versus the Astros over the last three seasons.

2. Houston Bats - Only the Seattle Mariners have a lower batting average in the American League, as the Astros have really relied heavily on the long ball. It may be only a matter of time before that catches up with them


3. X-Factor - The Astros don't have much success against southpaws, and they are 2-5 in their last 7 games vs. a left-handed starter.

Selection: This is a play on the Baltimore Orioles +1.5 (8*)