The Houston Astros have seen their lead in the AL West cut to just 2.5 games after losing seven in a row. They host the Seattle Mariners tonight, and we should expect a low scoring affair between these two offensively challenged teams.

Here are my keys to the game:

1. Pitching - Felix Hernandez will be on the mound for the visitors, and he's coming off another victory in his last start. Hernandez (9-2, 2.15 ERA) allowed a run on two hits and three walks over seven innings in a win over the Rays. While he cruised to victory in that game, he showed some lingering signs of the control issues that plagued him in a loss to the Yankees in his previous start. The Astros counter with Brett Oberholtzer, who makes just his fourth start of the season. The Astros have won two of three in his three starts so far.

2. Seattle Bats - The Mariners have scored 208 runs so far, the fewest of any team in the American League. Only Philly has fewer runs scored than Seattle in the majors.

3. X-Factor - Houston has won 11 of it's last 15 home games.

Selection: This is a play on the Houston Astros +1.5 (8*)