The Texas Rangers came up short in a 3-2 defeat in the opener of a three-game set at Lone Star State rivals Houston Astros yesterday. Each of the Rangers' last four games have been one-run ballgames, and I think they'll be able to keep this a close contest as well.

Here are my keys to the game:

1. Pitching - The Rangers hand the ball to Colby Lewis (8-4, 4.77 ERA) who's been roughed up of late. Pitching at Minute Maid Park has brought out the best of him throughout his career though as he's 5-0 with a 1.21 ERA as a starter at Houston, and he's 6-1 with a 1.98 ERA in nine starts against the Astros overall. Houston will counter with Scott Feldman (4-4, 4.80 ERA) who'll make his first start since May 29. He's been on the disabled list rehabbing from a knee surgery and has not looked sharp over two rehab starts for Double-A Corpus Christi compiling a 4.50 ERA.

2. Road Warriors - Texas is 26-21 SU and 36-11 against the run-line away from home this season. It has been dominant at Houston over recent season's winning 25 of the last 36 meetings at Minute Maid Park.

3. X-Factor - Prince Fielder was 2-for-5 in yesterday's series-opener and he's 3-for-14 with two doubles and a home-run against Feldman lifetime.

Selection: This is a play on the Texas Rangers +1.5 (8*)