Nationals-Astros Lines Preview

The Washington Nationals and the Houston Astros will both be gunning for a victory on Thursday when they meet at Minute Maid Park. The Nationals will pin their hopes on the pitching of lefthander John Lannan in this game. Lannan has a 6-5 record and a 3.45 ERA this season. The Astros will counter Lannan with Russ Ortiz. Righthander Ortiz has a 4.84 ERA to go along with a 2-3 record this season. Odds aren't yet posted for this game, so check back later for the opening line and total. The Nationals were swept away by the Rockies in a three-game series by falling 10-4 in the series finale on Wednesday, as +160 underdogs. That game's 14 runs sailed OVER the posted over/under (10.5). Anderson Hernandez drove in two runs in a losing effort. Ross Detwiler allowed eight hits and six runs over four innings. The Astros shut down the Pirates 5-0 in Wednesday's rubber match, as -170 favorites. The game's five runs went UNDER the posted over/under (8). Lance Berkman went 2-for-4 with two RBIs in leading the way. Wandy Rodriguez tossed a five-hit complete-game with 11 strikeouts. Current streak: Washington has lost 3 straight games. Team records: Washington: 24-58 SU Houston: 41-42 SU Washington most recently: When playing on Thursday are 4-6 Before playing Houston are 5-5 After playing Colorado are 2-8 After a loss are 3-7 Houston most recently: When playing on Thursday are 7-3 Before playing Washington are 7-3 After playing Pittsburgh are 5-5 After a win are 5-5 A few trends to consider: The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Washington's last 5 games The total has gone OVER in 4 of Washington's last 5 games when playing Houston The total has gone UNDER in 9 of Washington's last 13 games on the road The total has gone OVER in 4 of Washington's last 6 games when playing on the road against Houston The total has gone OVER in 4 of Houston's last 5 games when playing Washington The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Houston's last 5 games at home Houston is 5-2 SU in its last 7 games at home The total has gone OVER in 4 of Houston's last 6 games when playing at home against Washington Next up: Houston home to Washington, Friday, July 10