The Astros are trying to hold off the Angels and Twins in the wild-card standings. In other words, there is pressure on Houston. The young Astros are not used to being in this type of situation. It's a new experience. The pressure really hits them when they're on the road - like they are now against Seattle.

Houston has dropped 20 of its last 28 road games. That's the second-worst road mark since the All-Star break. Long-term, Houston is 14-39 during its past 53 away matchups.

The Astros are a team built on power so playing at Safeco Field, one of the best pitcher's parks in the majors, is a major negative for them.

Seattle is pitching lefty Roenis Elias, who is 1-2 with a 3.21 ERA in five outings since coming up from Triple A. He's auditioning for a spot on Seattle's starting staff.

Houston has lost eight of the last 11 times when going against a southpaw.

The Astros are sending rookie Lance McCullers to the mound. Houston is 0-5 in McCullers' last five starts. McCullers pitched extremely well when he first came up to the big leagues, but has been hit harder during his second time around the league. He has a 4.70 ERA in his last seven starts.

McCullers hasn't pitched nearly as well on the road either. His home ERA is 1.86 compared to 4.88 on the road.