The Fight To Stay Alive

(AP Photo/Nick Wass)

(AP Photo/Tom Uhlman)

Tonight the Los Angeles Dodgers begin a three game road series against the Houston Astros.

Both Houston(39-43) and Los Angeles(38-43) have records that leave a lot to be desired. The Dodgers however are in second place in the NL west and only two games out of first. The Astros though are in fourth in the NL Central and ten games out of first. Even with that though the Dodgers are 8 games back in the Wild Card race while Houston is 7.5 games back.

Both of these clubs need to win this series to keep pace and gain ground in the Wild Card race and in their perspective divisions. What is very common with both of these clubs is their struggles with pitching. Houston's club ERA is 4.47 with their problems coming from starters and form the bullpen.

Los Angeles' club ERA is a decent 3.73 with their problems mostly coming from starters while their bullpen keeps their team ERA in the high 3's.

Both teams need to win and can win. First pitch tonight is at 7:05 CST. Eric Stults(2-0) is starting for the Dodgers while Roy Oswalt(6-8) will be taking the mound for the Astros.

By: Collin Dakheel