The Coach's MLB Runline *PUNISHER*
(MLB) San Francisco vs. Houston, 05/12/2015 4:10 PM, Score: 8 - 1
Point Spread: 1.50 | -150.00 San Francisco (Away)
Result: Win
The San Francisco Giants looked like they had turned a corner after a disappointing start to the season when they opened May with five consecutive wins. They've only won two of their last five though, but I think they might be able to spring an upset here against the Houston Astros who have won just two of their last seven after a flying start to the season.

Here are my keys to the game:

1. Pitching - The Giants will hand the ball to Chris Heston (2-3, 3.38 ERA) who will make his first start ever against the Astros. He's off a disappointing outing versus the Padres but had held the Angels to just one run on five hits over 6 1/3 innings his last start prior. He'll catch the Astros at a good time as they have a league-worst .167 batting average over the last seven days. Houston will counter with Collin McHugh (4-0, 3.23 ERA) who was roughed up by Seattle his last home-start surrendering for runs, all homers, on six hits over seven innings. This will be his first start against the Giants, but he's 0-10 with a 7.09 ERA versus NL opponents over his career.

2. Inter-league Play - The Astros are 0-4 in their last four inter-league games as a favorite while the Giants have won all of their last four inter-league games.

3. X-Factor - The Giants are 4-0 in the last four meetings in Houston.

Selection: This is a play on the San Francisco Giants +1.5 (8*)