Houston has lost three straight and four of its last five games, and all the losses have been by shutout. Detroit has won eight of its last 10 games and has won the previous two games by shutout over the Astros. Detroit has won the last three meetings. Framber Valdez might be getting a little tired as the Astros have lost his last four starts, and he's allowed 12 runs over his last three starts. Charlie Morton comes off is best outing as a Tiger with a 7-0 win over the Twins. This selection is about one team playing well and the other not playing well at the moment. Tigers to win.

We understand why Houston is favored with Framber Valdez on the hill when looking at his season numbers. But the lefty looks tired at 0-2 with a 5.89 ERA in three August starts, and the Astros have dropped his past four. Detroit ranks No. 5 in OPS vs. southpaws. During a current three-game skid, Houston has not scored a single run. The team has my permission to cross the plate once on Wednesday. Former Astro Charlie Morton has been terrific in two of three starts with Detroit since coming over in trade from Baltimore.