Brown Faces Sánchez as Astros Try to Build on Series Opener

The Houston Astros face the Phillies for the second game of their three-game series at Citizens Bank Park. Wednesday night, the Astros look to build on Tuesday's 6-5 win. The Rangers are still close behind, just two games back. The Astros still continue to hold on to the division lead, just barely, as the only team in the AL West above .500. The Astros are coming off a series-opener victory and need all the momentum they can get.

Here is a look at what to expect Wednesday for the Houston Astros:

Houston Astros @ Philadelphia Phillies

5:40 PM CT | Citizens Bank Park

Houston enters at 74-71, while Philadelphia sits at 81-64. On paper, the Phillies should take this series easily, but the Astros are full of surprises this season. Tuesday's win was a perfect example of that.

Here is a look at the pitching matchup:

For the Astros:

Hunter Brown (5-3, 3.31 ERA, 93 SO) takes the mound for Houston. Brown continues to be exceptional, despite missing significant time with a shoulder strain earlier in the season. A great Astros game starts on the mound, and the Astros need their ace to give them length and command. Brown's capable, but the Phillies' lineup won't make it easy.

For the Phillies:

Cristopher Sánchez (16-5, 2.58 ERA, 207 SO) takes the mound for Philadelphia, and this is about as tough a matchup as it gets. Sánchez is having a stellar season and is one of the top pitchers in the league. Sánchez is one of the most challenging arms the Astros lineup will face this season.

Astros lineup:

Phillies lineup:

Between Sánchez on the mound, Kyle Schwarber and Bryce Harper at the plate, this is not going to be an easy win for Houston. If the Astros can bat like Tuesday night and Brown can attack the zone, they should be able to hold their own against this Phillies lineup.