The Houston Astros are coming into this contest against the Seattle Mariners looking to set themselves up for a sweep of this three game sweep tomorrow. They're sitting top of the AL West currently riding an eight game winning streak, and I don't see the Mariners being able to stop them tonight.

Here are my keys to the game:

1. Pitching - Taijuan Walker (1-2, 6.86 ERA) will toe the slab for the Mariners facing the Astros for the second time of the season. He gave up just one run on four hits over 5 1/1 innings against them home in Oakland on April 21, but was lucky to get away with four walks. He was 2-0 with a 3.86 ERA over two starts against Houston last year, but considering how the Astros have swung their bats so far on the year I think Walker will be in trouble tonight. The Astros will counter with Collin McHugh (3-0, 2.92 ERA) who's off four solid outings on the year as the right-hander has walked just four while struck out 23 over 24 2/3 innings. He's looking good for another strong performance here as he's 4-2 lifetime against Seattle and the Mariners are only 1-4 in their last five versus a right-handed starter.

2. Situational - The Mariners have won just two of their last eight coming in as a road underdog and only one of their last six against a team with a winning record. The Astros on the other hand are 7-1 in their last eight coming in as a favorite and a perfect 7-0 in McHugh's last seven home starts.

3. X-Factor - Both Seattle's on base percentage of .291 and its 82 runs scored on the season ranks among the worst marks in the majors.

Selection: This is a play on the Houston Astros (8*)