Houston Astros (33-60) at Tampa Bay Rays (54-41), 12:40 pm (CT)

Houston at Tampa Bay, 12:40 pm (CT)

TV: CSN Houston, MLB.TV
Radio: KBME 790 AM, KLAT 1010 AM
Rays SBNation Blog: DRaysBay

Pitching Match

LHP Erik Bedard (3-5 / 4.67 ERA / 1.50 WHIP) vs. RHP Chris Archer (3-3 / 3.59 ERA / 1.29 WHIP)

Preview

Unfortunately for Astros fans, today's game and the futures game being played in New York overlap. Fortunately, Astros fans with ESPN can watch the future stars play without the threat of blackout. I'm certain this was CSN Houston's plan all along.

On the mound today is Erik Bedard. The left-hander is limping into the All-Star break, giving up eight earned runs over his last two starts. This includes a start in Houston against the Rays were he gave up four earned runs over 5 1/3 innings, allowing six hits and walking six. Bedard has already surpassed his walk total in June (10) in just two starts in July. Desmond Jennings lead the Rays offense against Bedard in their previous meeting, with two hits in three at-bats.

Rays' starter Chris Archer was had a solid start to July, allowing only two runs over 12 innings. In his last start, he allowed zero earned runs to the Twins. Archer held the Astros to just two hits in Houston, but picked up a no decision on July 4. Brett Wallace took Archer deep for a solo home run in Houston.

The one shinning light for the Astros, all of the Rays hits off Bedard were singles in Houston. If Bedard hold down his number of walks, the Astros will have a fighting chance.