10* COACH'S PLAYBOOK on Houston Astros.

The Houston Astros have been one of the biggest disappointments in the MLB so far this season. The team has recorded just six wins over its first 20 games and it lost yesterday's opener of a three-game series against the Seattle Mariners 3-2. Tuesday's pitcher match-up makes me lean the Astros in this contest though.

Here are my keys to the game:

1. Pitching - The Astros hand the ball to Dallas Keuchel (2-2, 3.71 ERA) who has two of the teams six wins. He was rocked for six runs on 13 hits in six innings at Texas his last start but has a solid 2.68 ERA and 1.00 WHIP in nine career appearances against the Mariners, and the reigning American League Cy Young Award winner is bound to bounce back with a strong performance tonight. The Mariners counter with Nathan Karns (1-1, 5.28) who has been lit up in two of his three starts this season. He conceded five runs (four earned) on five hits and four walks over 5 1/3 innings at Cleveland his last start and was charged with the loss in his lone home start this season when he was tagged four four runs in five innings of a 6-1 loss against the A's.

2. Seattle's Struggles With Southpaws - Seattle's .214 batting average against left-handers this season is among the worst marks in the Majors. They have lost eight of their last 10 when coming up against a left-handed starter.

3. X-Factor - Seattle had only four hits yesterday while the Astros went 2 for 9 with runners in scoring position. Better efficiency from the Astros in this contest and they'll win easy.

Selection: This is a play on the Houston Astros (10*)