The Astros will continue their series against the Texas Rangers but this time round, they will have to face the impressive looking Padilla. Padilla have been in unbelievable form over his last five starts. The five games span included very tough starts against some of baseball's best such as the Angels, Red Sox, Yankees and the leading Dodgers. In all his five starts, his record is 4-1 which is a phenomenal record for him. Amazingly or not, he has limited opposing hitters to three earned runs or less in all his seven previous starts as his era continues to get better and better.

The Rangers have won their last two games against the Astros and will be looking for a hat-trick today. Texas are 22-13 at home in 2009 while the Astros do struggle away. Their offence is one of the worst in the National League and they find themselves languishing at the bottom. For this game, Backer will be making his first start with all four of his appearance thus far have been relieve ones. Back the Rangers to win here.

Pick: Rangers -1.5 @2.15