Game 80 Preview: Houston Astros vs. Atlanta Braves

Houston Astros (33-46) vs. Atlanta Braves (40-37), 1:10 p.m. (CST)

TV: CSN Houston, MLB.TV
Radio: KBME 790 AM, KLAT 1010 AM
Braves SBNation Blog: Talking Chop

Pitching matchup

RHP Jarred Cosart (7-5, 3.78 ERA, 1.32 WHIP) vs. LHP Mike Minor (2-4, 4.20 ERA, 1.48 WHIP)

Preview

The US-Germany game will be over by the time Houston take the field. Will USA fans be enjoy the spoils of victory (or a tie equal to win in this situation) or sulking in defeat. Either way on to baseball...

Jarred Cosart has posted 11 straight quality starts since failing to record a second out in a start against the Athletics. Cosart has turned himself from a strikeout seeking fireballer to a bonafide pitcher. He coming off arguably he is best pitching outing of the year, holding the Rays scoreless over eight inning on June 20.

Cosart will need some offense if he hopes to help put a 'W' in the win column today. The Astros have scored just two runs this series and one came as a result of a George Springer home run.

Mike Minor has been on a roller coaster of sorts, giving up a career-high 11 hits in two straight starts and striking out 11 in his most recent start. At Washington, Minor held the Nationals to two runs over seven to go with the 11 strikeouts.

Matt Dominguez is 2-for-4 with a double against Minor, while Dexter Fowler is 3-for-10 with a triple.