Astros visit the Reds to start 3-game series
Houston Astros (15-23, fifth in the AL West) vs. Cincinnati Reds (20-18, fifth in the NL Central) Cincinnati; Friday, 6:10 p. m.
EDT PITCHING PROBABLES: Astros: Mike Burrows (1-4, 5. 97 ERA, 1. 65 WHIP, 36 strikeouts); Reds: Nick Lodolo (0-0) LINE: Reds -136, Astros +114; over/under is 9 1/2 runs BOTTOM LINE: The Cincinnati Reds host the Houston Astros on Friday to open a three-game series.
Cincinnati is 20-18 overall and 10-8 in home games. The Reds have an 11-5 record in games when they did not allow a home run. Houston has a 6-13 record in road games and a 15-23 record overall.
The Astros have the third-best team batting average in MLB play at . 261. Friday's game is the first time these teams match up this season.
TOP PERFORMERS: Elly De La Cruz has seven doubles, 10 home runs and 28 RBIs while hitting . 265 for the Reds. Spencer Steer is 12 for 34 with a double and two home runs over the last 10 games.