Houston @ Seattle preview

Last Meeting ( Sep 2, 2015 ) Seattle 8, Houston 3

The Houston Astros continue their bid for a playoff spot when they open a crucial three-game series against the host Seattle Mariners on Monday. Houston holds a one-half game lead over the Los Angeles Angels for the American League's second wild-card spot, but each of its final six contests are on the road.

The Astros are a dismal 29-46 on the road, which has hindered their chances of winning the AL West. Houston was overtaken by Texas, which it trails by 2 1/2 games in the division race despite winning two of three against the Rangers over the weekend. Seattle has dropped five straight games to clinch its fifth losing campaign in six years, while Houston has wrapped up its first winning season since 2008. Mariners slugger Nelson Cruz is tied with Baltimore's Chris Davis for the major-league home run lead with 43 but has gone deep just once in his last 10 games.

TV: 10:10 p.m. ET, MLBN, ROOT (Houston, Seattle)

PITCHING MATCHUP: Astros RH Lance McCullers (5-7, 3.22 ERA) vs. Mariners LH Roenis Elias (5-8, 3.94)

McCullers has lost four straight decisions and is winless in his last seven starts. He struck out nine in seven innings against the Angels in his last turn but was tagged with the loss after giving up three runs and four hits. McCullers is 1-1 with a 2.89 ERA in two starts against Seattle.

Elias received a no-decision in his last turn, when he gave up one run and four hits in 5 1/3 innings against Kansas City. He has worked 5 1/3 frames in each of his last four starts, going 1-1 with a 2.95 ERA during that stretch. Elias matched his career best of 10 strikeouts while allowing two runs and four hits in seven innings of a victory over the Astros on June 19 - his lone win (1-2, 4.91 ERA) is six career starts against them.

WALK-OFFS

1. Astros DH Evan Gattis is 11-for-31 with two homers over his last eight contests.

2. Seattle DH Mark Trumbo homered on Sunday against the Angels to halt a 14-game drought.

3. Houston 1B Chris Carter has belted four homers in his last six games.

PREDICTION: Astros 5, Mariners 3