Texas Rangers (79-72, third in the AL West) vs. Houston Astros (82-69, second in the AL West)

Houston; Tuesday, 8:10 p.m. EDT

PITCHING PROBABLES: Rangers: Merrill Kelly (12-7, 3.21 ERA, 1.06 WHIP, 162 strikeouts); Astros: A.J. Blubaugh (3-1, 2.45 ERA, 0.91 WHIP, 25 strikeouts)

BOTTOM LINE: The Houston Astros take a 1-0 advantage into the next game of the series against the Texas Rangers.

Houston has a 44-32 record in home games and an 82-69 record overall. Astros hitters have a collective .318 on-base percentage, the sixth-ranked percentage in the AL.

Texas is 32-44 on the road and 79-72 overall. The Rangers have a 38-11 record in games when they hit two or more home runs.

The matchup Tuesday is the 12th time these teams meet this season. The Rangers hold a 6-5 advantage in the seaso

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