HOUSTON (Interstat) — The Texas Rangers and Houston Astros continue a pivotal three-game series at Daikin Park on Tuesday, with both American League West rivals jockeying for postseason position in the final weeks of the season.

The Astros (82-69) took the series opener 6-3 on Monday, extending their lead over the Rangers (79-72) to three games in the standings. Houston has won five of its last seven games. Texas has dropped two of its last three after winning its previous five.

The season series between the intrastate rivals has been tightly contested, with each team winning six of the 12 meetings so far. The clubs have split the first two games of this current set in Houston.

In Monday’s contest, Houston’s Zach Cole provided the decisive blow with a three-run home run, part of a 2-for-3, three-RBI night. Reliever Steven Okert struck out all three batters he faced in the eighth inning to preserve the lead. For Texas, third baseman Josh Jung went 2-for-4 with a home run and two RBIs in the losing effort.

Despite the loss, the Rangers enter as a slight pregame favorite with a spread of -1.5. The over/under is set at 8 runs. Projections are split, with Interstat’s game simulator forecasting a 6-4 Texas victory, while its ELO system gives Houston a 52.3% probability to win.

Following Tuesday’s game, the series concludes Wednesday before both teams embark on their final homestands. Texas returns home to face the Miami Marlins and Minnesota Twins. Houston will host the Seattle Mariners before hitting the road for series against the Athletics and Los Angeles Angels.