The Astros are unexpectedly just 5-5 in their last 10 games, and are off a pair of lopsided losses vs the Mariners. They have also lost both of Garcia’s last starts. Garcia (3.38 ERA) has been generally successful in May, although the shortness of his starts and the numbers of base on balls is concerning. He has given up 5 runs over just 9 inning in his last two starts.

Left-hander Gonzales starts for the Mariners. He has had mixed results this season, giving up a lot of hits and walks against a low number of strikeouts, but somehow still manages to keep the runs down. After a pair of solid starts vs. the Mets and the Jays, he was roughed up by the A’s. The Astros have hit Gonzales hard in past meetings.

The Astros have a decided advantage in relief pitching. They are at the top of the heap, with a season’s best 2.53 ERA average. The Mariners’ bullpen’s ERA is 4.23 for the season, and has struggled lately.

Other than against the Astros in their last 2 starts, the Mariners haven’t had much success, losing 6 straight. They are just middle of the pack in offense for the season, but have swung the bats well lately. The Astros are generally a fine hitting team, and will extra motivated to avoid three straight losses. Starters being roughly equal today, the advantage goes to the Astros in all other categories. Take the Astros to bounce back today, and win.