15 – ASTROS (With Rodriguez as listed pitcher)
Houston is playing great right now. They have won five consecutive series and it’s no coincidence it’s happening because their pitching and hitting are finally in sync.

Wandy Rodriguez will get the start for the Astros and he’s coming off a strong start against the Cubs on Wednesday. The left-hander didn’t figure in the decision but allowed just one run in seven innings. That came on the heels of two bad outings, so look for Rodriguez to get back to the way he was through his first 10 starts, when he didn’t allow more than three earned runs in any of them.

Rodriguez is also 3-0 with a 3.26 ERA in three career starts against the Rangers.

Texas is struggling right now and it’s why I’m going against them. They really miss Josh Hamilton in their lineup and their two best hitters, Ian Kinsler and Michael Young, are a combined 6-for-68 right now. That’s led to the Rangers only scoring 14 runs while dropping four of their last six.

I know Kevin Millwood has pitched brilliant for the Rangers this year and he alone can make the difference here. But as long as Texas is slumping offensively and Houston is rolling, I’ll gladly side with the hotter team at the plus return.

5 Dime – RED SOX (With Wakefield) -1 ½ RUN LINE over MARLINS (With Volstad)

Boston is a major league-best 21-8 at home this year and they’re going to tee off on Florida’s Chris Volstad tonight.

Volstad has lost three straight starts and is coming off a start in which he gave up a career high in runs and hits against St. Louis. Now he comes into Fenway where he faces a Red Sox lineup much more dangerous than the Cardinals.

Boston will start Tim Wakefield and the veteran knuckleballer is coming off back-to-back quality starts, beating the Tigers and Yankees. Wakefield will keep the Marlins in check enough for Boston to pull away here.