GAME PREVIEW

3 pivotal elements to watch in Astros showdown with Padres

3 pivotal elements to watch in Astros showdown with Padres
The Padres host the Astros Monday night. Composite Getty Image.

Houston Astros (81-68, first in AL West) vs. San Diego Padres (85-65, second in NL West)

San Diego; Monday, 9:40 p.m. EDT

The Houston Astros and San Diego Padres kick off a three-game series on Monday night, with both teams vying to solidify their postseason positioning. Houston sits atop the AL West with an 81-68 record, while San Diego is in second place in the NL West at 85-65.

Pitching probables

  • Astros: Spencer Arrighetti (7-12, 4.72 ERA, 158 strikeouts)
    Arrighetti has shown flashes of brilliance but has been inconsistent throughout the season. He'll need to be sharp against a Padres lineup that has been surging in September.
  • Padres: Yu Darvish (5-3, 3.52 ERA, 62 strikeouts)
    Darvish has been reliable for San Diego and comes into the game with a solid 1.14 WHIP. He’s looking to build on his strong recent form and provide the Padres with a quality start.

Team outlook

  • Astros: Houston has been solid on the road, holding a 39-36 record away from Minute Maid Park. Their offense has been potent, ranking eighth in MLB with a .419 slugging percentage. Key players like Jose Altuve and Yainer Diaz will look to stay hot and lead the team in this important series.
  • Padres: San Diego has been dominant when out-hitting their opponents, boasting a 68-20 record in such games. Their home record stands at 40-35, and they'll look to capitalize on that advantage in this series. Jurickson Profar and Luis Arraez have been key contributors for the Padres' offense, and they’ll be instrumental in taking on Houston’s pitching staff.

Recent form

  • Padres (6-4 in their last 10 games): They have been hitting well, posting a .267 average with a 3.07 team ERA over this stretch, outscoring their opponents by 15 runs.
  • Astros (6-4 in their last 10 games): Houston is swinging the bats even better, hitting .289 over their last 10, with a 3.72 team ERA and a positive run differential of 14.

This series will be crucial as both teams push toward the playoffs. Expect a competitive matchup in the series opener.

BETMGM SPORTSBOOK LINE: Padres -136, Astros +115; over/under 8 runs.

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*ChatGPT aided with this article.

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Texans beat the Patriots, 41-21. Composite Getty Image.

C.J. Stroud threw three touchdown passes and the Houston Texans spoiled the first start of rookie New England quarterback Drake Maye, breezing past the Patriots 41-21 on Sunday.

Joe Mixon rushed for 102 yards and caught a TD pass from Stroud. Stefon Diggs had six catches for 77 yards and a score for the AFC South-leading Texans (5-1), and Tank Dell had seven receptions for 57 yards and a TD.

Dameon Pierce ripped off a 54-yard touchdown run in the fourth quarter and finished with 76 yards on eight carries. Will Anderson Jr. recorded three sacks for Houston, which has won three straight.

The Patriots (1-5) got a boost from Maye, the No. 3 overall pick in the NFL draft. Taking over for veteran Jacoby Brissett, he finished 20 of 33 for 243 yards and three touchdowns. He also ran for 38 yards but was intercepted twice and sacked four times, one resulting in a lost fumble.

Be sure to watch the video above as the crew from Texans on Tap reacts to the big win live on YouTube!

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