The AL West-leading Houston Astros had won seven of eight before taking a 5-3 loss to the NL Central-leading St. Louis Cardinals in the opener of this three-game series at Busch Stadium Friday night. I think this looks like an excellent spot to back the Astros to bounce back in the middle game.

Tonight, right-hander Gerrit Cole (11-5, 3.03 ERA) will toe the slab for the visitors. He is undefeated through his last 11 starts and has limited six of his last seven opponents to one or fewer runs while reaching double-digits Ks in four of those outings.

Cole owns a solid 3.09 ERA in 14 career starts versus the Cardinals who counter with Daniel Ponce de Leon (1-0, 2.82 ERA) for his seventh start of the season. Ponce de Leon held Pittsburgh to one run over three innings last time out, but gave up three hits and four walks. He rarely goes deep into the games and I expect the Astros powerful lineup to get the better of him.

8* play on Houston Astros -1.5.