The Houston Astros return home riding high and red-hot, while the Cleveland Guardians limp into Daikin Park desperately searching for answers.

Winners of eight of their last ten, the Astros (55-35) open a three-game set Monday night against a Guardians club that hasn’t won in ten straight. Houston has risen to the top of the AL West thanks to a combination of dominant pitching and a surging offense, and they’ll look to keep that momentum rolling behind rookie lefty Colton Gordon (3-1, 4.37 ERA). Gordon has given Houston quality innings over the past month, and he’ll get the ball against a Guardians offense that has been ice-cold in July.

Cleveland (40-48) enters the night on a three-game road skid and with just 20 wins away from home all season. They’re hitting just .166 over their last ten games and have been outscored by 33 runs during that stretch. If they’re going to end the slide, they’ll need right-hander Tanner Bibee (4-9, 4.10 ERA) to contain an Astros lineup that’s been clicking. The 25-year-old Bibee has been better than his record shows, but Houston’s .304 team average over the last ten games suggests he’ll have his hands full.

All eyes remain on Jose Altuve, who has caught fire with 13 hits and four homers in his last 10 games. On the Cleveland side, Jose Ramirez continues to be the heartbeat of the offense, leading the club in homers, RBIs, and batting average. But he’ll need help, something that’s been sorely lacking during the Guardians’ recent skid.

Houston has been dominant at Daikin Park with a 32-14 home record, and if recent trends hold, they’ll be a tough draw for a Guardians team in freefall. First pitch is set for 8:10 p.m. ET.

BETMGM SPORTSBOOK LINE: Astros -162, Guardians +136; over/under is 7 1/2 runs

Astros news

Christian Walker has been placed on paternity leave. Sugar Land outfielder Kenedy Corona has joined the club in Houston. Pitcher Jordan Weems has cleared waivers and elected free agency.

Astros Game 1 lineup

What jumps out? Cam Smith is back hitting second, with Yainer Diaz sliding into the cleanup spot and catching. With Walker on paternity leave, Victor Caratini is hitting fifth and playing first base. Cooper Hummel is the DH and hitting sixth, followed by Taylor Trammell (LF) and Zach Short (SS). Kenedy Corona will get the start in center field, as Jake Meyers dealing with a calf issue.

Image via: MLB.com/Screenshot

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