This is a kill spot for the Astros with everything lining up. But rather than lay such hefty juice, going the run line route makes sense.

The Reds are force-feeding Cody Reed. It's his first big league start. The Reds are desperate because of a cluster injury problem in their starting rotation. Making matters worse for the Reds is their horrendous bullpen, which has a 6.46 road ERA and is heavily taxed having pitching 21 2/3 innings during the past four days.

The powerful Astros have the offense to take advantage. They also have Dallas Keuchel on the mound. Houston is 21-6 in Keuchel's last 27 home starts and he's 14-3 the past 17 times when pitching on five days rest.

Despite winning last night against the Astros, the Reds are just 6-17 in their last 23 road games versus opponents sporting an above .500 home mark.