Astros vs. Nationals: Pair of Southpaws Match Up in the Nation's Capital

The Houston Astros (4-6) and Washington Nationals (8-3) will continue a four-game National League series on Tuesday night inside Nationals Park, with the first pitch scheduled for 7:05 ET.

Las Vegas oddsmakers have established the Nationals as -175 home favorites, while the total holds steady at 7.

Houston has been involved in six straight games decided by three runs or less, including a 6-3 series-opening loss on Monday. Total bettors are definitely noticing a trend with the youngest roster in baseball, with the "over" cashing in nine of their first 10 games.

Wandy Rodriguez (0-1, 2.38 ERA) is definitely capable of posting some zeroes on the scoreboard in this matchup, as he ranks third among NL southpaws with a 3.34 ERA since the start of the 2009 campaign.

In nine career outings versus the Nationals, he has tallied a solid 5-1 mark despite carrying an inflated 4.92 ERA, including a perfect 2-0 record and 5.09 ERA in three road starts in this series.

Sports bettors will certainly take notice that the Astros are 6-0 in their last six games versus a left-handed starter, while the "over" is 21-8-1 in their last 30 games in that situation.

Washington continues to enjoy their best start to a season since returning to the nation's capital in 2005, as they look to capture a third consecutive victory with Tuesday night's scheduled starter pitcher on the hill.

Gio Gonzalez (0-0, 3.37 ERA) has yet to figure into a decision through two starts of the season, but the club has posted two victories over NL Central clubs in that span, including a 3-2 home win over the Cincinnati Reds last time out.

The left-hander will be facing the Astros for the first time in his career, looking to improve upon his 4-3 career record and 3.16 ERA in 11 April starts.

Umpire Bill Welke is likely to make it tough on Gonzalez, with the Nationals being 2-8 in his last 10 games behind home plate.

Weather forecasts suggest mostly cloudy skies and game-time temperatures in the upper 60s, with a 5-10 mph breeze out of the northwest (left to right).