There's only so long you can outplay or underplay your true talent level in a marathon of a season. It looks like the tide started to turn for both the Astros and Pirates Monday night. The Pirates started the season too hot while the Astros started too slow. The Astros are far more talented and it showed. It'll show again. In particular, the Pirates offense -- still reeling from losing Oneil Cruz -- won't pose much of a challenge for Astros starter Cristian Javier. Let's take the run line (-1.5, -105).

The Astros made quick work of the Pirates on Monday, winning 8-2. The Pirates’ lineup should continue to struggle with Oneil Cruz (lower leg) expected to miss at least four months. They will also have a tough matchup against Cristian Javier, who had a 2.54 ERA and a 0.95 WHIP last season. Starting for the Pirates will be Mitch Keller, who has a bloated 1.56 WHIP for his career. Expect the Astros to earn another convincing victory.