Good business to back the Astros with Yusei Kikuchi on the mound. All Houston has done is win in his last eight starts, also his first eight starts for the Astros since his deadline deal from Toronto. All confirming GM Fran Brown's belief that Kikuchi was pitching much better than his stats indicated with the Blue Jays, as contact rates and hit placements suggested a turnaround in fortune was likely in the offing. In just 48 IP for the Astros, Kikuchi has struck out 69 batters and allowed just 23 hits. Along with surrendering only 12 walks, that equates to a WHIP of 0.73. Kikuchi also worked a smooth seven innings last Friday at Anaheim, going seven innings and getting credit for the 5-3 win. Meanwhile, the Halos, swept by Houston last weekend at the Big A, are holding their breath as usual for any game in which Jose Suarez (6.80 ERA) gets the start. The Angels' main motivation now is to stop short of 96 losses, which would be a franchise high (they're at 90 now). Play Astros on Run Line