The Houston Astros (48-33) and Cleveland Indians (42-35) face off in a crucial four-game series at Progressive Field starting Thursday. Both teams enter struggling, with Houston coming off a sweep by Baltimore and Cleveland dropping two of three to Detroit.

Series Schedule (All times ET):

• Thursday, July 1: 7:10 PM
• Friday, July 2: 7:10 PM
• Saturday, July 3: 7:15 PM
• Sunday, July 4: 1:10 PM

Pitching Matchups:

• Thursday: Framber Valdez (4-1, 2.11 ERA) vs. J.C. Mejia (1-2, 4.94 ERA)
• Friday: Lance McCullers Jr. (5-1, 2.94 ERA) vs. Sam Hentges (1-2, 7.32 ERA)
• Saturday: Jake Odorizzi (2-3, 4.08 ERA) vs. Eli Morgan (1-2, 9.37 ERA)
• Sunday: Zack Greinke (8-2, 3.65 ERA) vs. TBD

Key Stats:

• Astros lead MLB in runs (5.65), hits (9.56), average (.277) and OBP (.352)
• Indians averaging 4.43 runs (14th in MLB)
• Astros allowing 4.03 runs/game (9th), Indians allowing 4.36 (15th)
• Astros have 5 players with 10+ home runs
• Jose Ramirez leads Indians with 18 HR, 50 RBI, 53 runs

Outlook: While Houston has superior pitching matchups, their struggling bullpen (19 runs allowed in last series) gives Cleveland an opportunity. The Indians will need strong starts from their injury-depleted rotation to contain Houston's potent offense and get to their vulnerable bullpen. The series outcome may hinge on Cleveland's ability to execute this gameplan.

Betting Odds:

• Astros: -290 to win AL West, +600 World Series
• Indians: +450 to win AL Central, +5000 World Series

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