Image 1-2: Erik Williams-Imagn Images, Image 3-6: Troy Taormina-Imagn Images The Houston Astros face the Athletics Saturday for the second game of their three-game series as they continue their homestand, coming off an embarrassing 18-3 blowout loss to the Los Angeles Angels earlier in the week. The Astros are now 65-64 and still hold the division lead. The Astros are heading into the second game of the series coming off a win, which is a comeback they desperately needed. Hayden Wesneski shut the Athletics down Friday night in a 4-0 win, giving Houston exactly the kind of length and control they'd been missing all week. It was his fifth start back since returning from Tommy John surgery, and it was the best start since his return. A real sign Wesneski is finding his rhythm. The Athletics enter Saturday at 49-80, five straight losses after falling to Houston in the opener Friday night. The Astros just need to keep doing what they did Friday and make it six. The Astros can't afford to get caught sleeping here. The Astros may be coming off a win, but momentum has proven time and time again not to really do much. They can blow a team out of the water and get demolished the next night. So relying on momentum is not going to work. They need a solid pitching performance and chemistry in the infield and outfield. They also need to improve their at-bats; some of their stars haven't been making much noise lately, and it's costing them. Here is a look at the pitching matchup for Saturday's game. Hunter Brown [https://www.mlb.com/player/hunter-brown-686613] (3-3, 3.76 ERA, 72 SO) Brown will take the mound for Houston. He's been solid but not dominant this season, and the Astros need him to set the tone early. A strong start from Brown could lead the way to a win and help hold onto the division lead. Jacob Lopez [https://www.mlb.com/player/jacob-lopez-682052] (5-4, 5.22 ERA, 81 SO) Lopez gets the ball for the A's. The left-hander has had his share of rough outings this year, but he's capable of stringing together a solid start against a struggling lineup, and he's shown flashes of real dominance this season when he's on. Once again, this series is huge, and every series for the rest of the regular season is crucial. They missed their opportunity for some breathing room against the Mariners and against the Angels. They can't afford to slip, and they've left no room for error. Everyone needs to lock in if they want to continue to lead the division.
