The set-up: The Astros may own MLB's best overall record (52-26) but their play at home in Minute Maid Park has been sub-par. Tuesday night was another example as Houston fell 6-4 to the Oakland A's, who even with the win own just a 13-25 road record. The Astros' three-run, ninth-inning rally fell short last night and Houston is now a modest 23-17 at home, compared to a MLB-best 29-9 on the road! Houston has five more games at Minute Maid in this homestand, two with the A's and then three with the Yankees. After going 1-for-10 with runners in scoring position while stranding 10, Houston must do better. One would think, the struggling A's give them an opportunity to get better..

The pitching matchup: Jesse Hahn (3-5 & 4.66 ERA) will start for the Athletics and David Paulino (2-0 & 5.04 ERA) for the Astros. Hahn is 2-1 with a 7.00 ERA in four starts since being reinstated from the 10-day disabled list (strained right triceps) on June 6 and he's 1-4 with a 9.28 ERA over five career starts against the Astros, including a 12-9 setback last Thursday when he allowed 10 runs (nine earned) on six hits and three walks over just two innings..Paulino started opposite Hahn this past Thursday in Oakland, allowing three ERs in 5 1/3 innings to earn the win (it's his only career starts vs. the A's). It also marked just the second win of Paulino's career (note: the Astros are 3-2 in his five starts this season).

The pick: It's true that the A's have yet to win any of Hahns road starts in 2017 (he's 0-3 and the team 0-6) but it's also true that he's pitched fairly well away from home, with a 3.14 ERA in seven appearances (includes one relief stint). As for Paulino, he'll face an Oakland lineup which has averaged only 3.89 RPG in its 38 road games this season. Make the Under a 10* play.